By Paul Vangos –
Endicott opened its 2025 season with a strong showing on September 6, defeating Misericordia 31-21 in non-conference action at Hempstead Stadium. The Gulls established control early, building a 17-0 halftime lead behind a steady ground attack and efficient special teams before managing a late push from the Cougars to secure their sixth straight season-opening win.
The early scoring came through a pair of rushing touchdowns, beginning with Markys Bridgewater’s four-yard run in the first quarter at 8:53. Quarterback Lynch added a three-yard touchdown run in the second quarter at 8:15, continuing the momentum for an offense that consistently found space at the line of scrimmage. Freshman kicker Garoid Stones then extended the lead with his first career field goal, a 39-yard attempt with 1:15 left in the half.
Endicott struck quickly after the break with one of the game’s defining plays. At just 1:05 into the third quarter, Adam Goodfellow hauled in a 69-yard touchdown reception, catching a go-route at Misericordia’s 48-yard line on the left side before cutting inside a safety and breaking free with the help of an upfield block by Jayson Little. The play widened the lead and shifted early second-half momentum firmly toward the Gulls.
Misericordia responded with sustained urgency, producing back-to-back touchdowns and converting a two-point attempt to close the gap to 24-14 with 6:54 remaining. The Cougars continued to search for a late breakthrough, but Endicott controlled possession efficiently down the stretch. Bryan Metayer added a three-yard rushing touchdown at 2:44, providing valuable insurance. Misericordia countered with a 73-yard rushing touchdown with 1:01 remaining, but the gap remained intact as Endicott closed out the win.
The performance was supported by significant contributions in all phases. Endicott held a 394-318 advantage in total offense, producing 21 first downs with 163 rushing yards and 231 through the air. Lynch led the offense with a 20-for-28 passing effort for 213 yards and a touchdown, while also recording his first career rushing touchdown. Goodfellow delivered his third career 100-yard receiving game and scored his 15th career touchdown, tying him for fifth all-time at the program. The Gulls also accumulated 102 yards after the catch, with Goodfellow accounting for 53.
Defensively, Danny Fleming paced the team with a career-high 10 tackles. Alfino Davis nearly added a defensive score late in the second quarter, returning an interception from Endicott’s 5-yard line to Misericordia’s 45 before being tripped up. Chase Duncan supplied seven tackles and contributed to the pass rush, while the Gulls totaled four sacks on the afternoon. Brian Daly and Jake McKerley each recorded one sack, with Nick Ferguson and Caleb Luz combining for another. Daly also registered two quarterback hurries, contributing to Endicott’s defensive pressure.
Special teams added several key plays, including Stones’ field goal and a pivotal onside kick recovery by Stan Pierre midway through the fourth quarter with Endicott leading 24-14. Brandon Alfaro Mateo converted all four extra point attempts in his first appearance as placekicker.
The win also marked the first-ever meeting between the programs, giving Endicott a solid foundation as it moves deeper into the fall schedule.
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