MOON TOWNSHIP — Robert Morris (1-2) was back at Joe Walton Stadium to face off against I-79 rival, Mercyhurst (1-2). The Colonials would get back to winning ways and get their first win on the year as they took down the Lakers by a final score of 55-28
Mercyhurst made their third trip down to Moon township in program history as these two teams faced off for the fifth time overall and the first time since 1997. Meanwhile the Colonials looked for a bounce back performance after an embarrassing effort last week with the loss to D-II Edinboro.
And a response they got as multiple offensive players for the Colonials would shine in this game as the offense would carry this team to victory.
Robert Morris would start the game off strong with receiving the opening kick and making the most of their opportunity. The Colonials would march down the field 75 yards in nine plays for the opening score of the game. Noah Robinson would catch his first touchdown pass on the season on a 14 yard throw from quarterback Anthony Chiccitt.
The defense would use the momentum when Seth Verilus would get his first interception of the season on the 2nd play of the Laker’s first drive.
It would only take the Colonials two plays to capitalize on the big interception as they would make the score 14-0 early on in the first quarter. DJ Moyer would run it in from three yards to get the rushing touchdown.
The Colonials would open up a commanding 21-0 lead in this game thanks to Chiccitts second passing touchdown, a five yard pass to Chaz Middleton for his second touchdown of the young season.
The Lakers would respond on the corresponding drive to get their first score of the day, a 12 play 72 yard march down the field. Mercyhurst would then get within one score to make it 21-14.
Robert Morris would answer right back, however, on the very next play after kick off as the Chiccitt and Robinson connection would hold strong and they would connect on a one play 63 yard touchdown pass to make the score 27-14.
After a couple slow games to start the season Noah Robinson looked back in form as he went for 116 yards on four receptions and two total touchdowns.
The wealth on the receiving side of the ball was abundant today as 10 total colonials caught a pass today totaling 23 receptions for a total of 365 yard passing. Along with the receptions, five different Colonials caught a touchdown pass. Noah Robinson, Trenell Ridgley, Ethan Shine, Trevor Wilson, and Chaz Middleton would all catch TD passes.
The Colonials would just have their way with everything on the offensive side of the ball totaling 536 yards of total offense on 61 plays for an average of 8.8 per play. RMU would split that up between 365 passing and 171 yards on the ground.
Despite the large passing stats, the run game would also make an impact largely due to Tyvon Edmonds Jr. who tallied a total of 133 yards on the ground and also getting a touchdown to add to his tremendous day. DJ Moyer would also pound in a touchdown on the ground.
Anthony Chiccitt would have his stamp on this game going 19 for 25 totaling 307 yards in the air and throwing for five total touchdowns. Chiccitt would also throw an interception. Late in the game the Colonials would put in backup quarterback Zach Tanner who would go 4 for 4 totaling 58 yards and throwing a touchdown pass.
With their 55 points today, Robert Morris scored the most points since November 9, 2013, when they scored 54 points against Central Connecticut State. The Colonials would come just eight points off the school’s record for most points in a game.
Robert Morris set the record for most points scored at Joe Walton Stadium today with their 55. The previous record was 49 set during the inaugural game of the stadium back in 2005.
Anthony Chiccitt is the fourth Colonial player to throw five touchdowns in a single game. He was also one off the record, which stands at six in a single game.
Robert Morris will be back in action next Saturday, September 21 at Wagner as they open NEC conference play.
