Throwback Thursday: A look back at memorable Homecoming wins
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – With Homecoming and Reunion on tap for this weekend, BryantBulldogs.com takes a look back at five memorable homecoming football games.
The Bulldogs (1-2) will be playing their 13th Homecoming and Reunion game under head coach Marty Fine and are 10-2 in those games. This weekend, the Bulldogs welcome Central Connecticut to Bulldog Stadium for a 1:04 p.m. kickoff. Prior to the game, Bryant Athletics will officially dedicate the stadium the David M. '85 and Terry Beirne Stadium Complex.
Sept. 16, 2006 – Bryant vs. Merrimack
Following a 41-40 overtime loss in 2005, Bryant exacted some revenge against Merrimack in 2006, defeating the Warriors 34-7. Lorenzo Perry rushed for 233 yards and two touchdowns and the Black and Gold racked up 495 yards of total offense. Chris Wolheter provided a game-changing play in the third quarter as he intercepted a pass and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown. It was just Bryant's second win over the Warriors and helped spark the Bulldogs on the way to an NE-10 championship.
Sept. 29, 2007 – Bryant vs. Pace
The lead changed three times in the fourth quarter as the Black and Gold rallied to defeat Pace, 22-19. Pace scored with 8:38 left to take the lead and then tackled the Bulldogs for a safety on the ensuing kickoff to make it 19-14. Bryant's defense stood tall after that, giving Bryant the ball back with 5:46 remaining. The Bulldogs took over on the Pace 11 thanks to a 67-yard punt return by Chris Wolheter. Charlie Granatell's two-yard quarterback keeper with 4:19 left put the Black and Gold on top for good.
Oct. 3, 2009 – Bryant vs. Wagner
Bryant battled its way to a 6-2 win over Wagner on a rain-soaked Homecoming in 2009. The Seahawks took the lead in the third quarter as the Bulldogs snapped a punt out of the back of the endzone. Bryant, however, also took advantage of a bad snap, taking over at the Wagner 37 in the fourth quarter. Mike Croce then converted a huge 4th-and-3 with a 13-yard completion to Matt Tracey, and Jerell Smith took the next play 17 yards for a touchdown and a 6-2 Bryant lead.
Oct. 9, 2010 – Bryant vs. Sacred Heart
The Bulldogs pulled off one of the best comebacks in Division I program history against the Pioneers, rallying from a 24-7 fourth-quarter deficit to win, 25-24. Doug Emerzian's four-yard TD reception made it 24-13 with 8:50 remaining and the Bulldogs followed by recovering an onside kick at the Sacred Heart 36. Jordan Brown scored on a two-yard run four plays later and the Bulldogs were down just 24-19. Bryant's defense then forced a three-and-out and Brown took the ensuing punt 73 yards for a touchdown. SHU had a chance to take the lead with 2:34 remaining but a 39-yard field goal missed wide right.
Sept. 13, 2014 – Bryant vs. Maine
Just two years removed from a 51-7 loss to the Maine, the Bulldogs battled their way to a 13-10 over the 20th-ranked Black Bears at Bulldog Stadium. Trailing 10-6 with 3:07 left in the game, the Bulldogs started at their own 26 and came out with a trick play. Ricardo McCray took the direct snap and shoveled it back to QB Dalton Easton who hurled it down field for Chad Ward who made an acrobatic 41-yard catch. Two plays later, Easton found Ward again and Ward made his defender missed before diving the ball across the goal line with 2:04 remaining.