By Matt Cain
Contributor
The energy was electric at Jess Dow Field on Saturday, Oct. 3 as the university celebrated its annual Homecoming game, bringing students, alumni and fans together for a spirited afternoon of football and school pride.
The Owls battled hard but ultimately fell 34–21, as their opponent capitalized on key second-half drives to secure the win.
“We’re a work in progress still, working every day to get better,” Head Coach Joe Loth said.
Despite the loss, the packed crowd draped in blue and white brought nonstop energy with the marching band, cheerleaders and tailgating fans setting the tone for one of the most anticipated days of the fall semester.
From pregame festivities to the final whistle, the atmosphere captured everything Homecoming stands for: tradition, community and a shared passion for university athletics.
With the loss, the Owls dropped to 1–3 overall and 1–1 in NE10 conference play, while Bentley University improved to 2–3 and 2–1 respectively.
Despite the setback, the Owls showed flashes of offensive rhythm throughout the game. Running back Kieran Falzon, a junior, powered the ground attack, finding the end zone twice and finishing with 70 yards on 10 carries.
Quarterback Brandon Jorgensen, a senior, added a dual-threat performance, throwing for 191 yards on 18-of-28 passing while also breaking free for a 10-yard rushing touchdown.
In the air, wide receiver Seth Westover, a senior, led the receiving corps with 67 yards on five receptions while Divine Edwards, a senior, contributed six catches for 49 yards.
Though the university could not overcome Bentley’s second-half surge, the Owls’ effort and offensive balance gave the Homecoming crowd plenty to cheer for.
On defense, linebacker Rakaigh Pettway, a junior, had a career day, recording eight tackles, a sack and a pass breakup at the line of scrimmage.
Linebacker LaRawn Robinson, a freshman, added seven tackles and a quarterback hurry.
Defensive end Peter Dempsey, a freshman, and defensive back TJ Butler, a senior, made their mark on special teams, each blocking a point-after attempt to keep the Owls within striking distance.
“Our defensive game plan was to be sound and execute,” Pettway said.
Bentley struck first, putting together a seven play, 43-yard drive to go up 6–0 midway through the first quarter.
On the ensuing extra point attempt, Butler powered through the line and blocked the kick, keeping the deficit to one score.
The Falcons extended their lead to 13–0 early in the second quarter before the university’s offense began to find its rhythm.
After taking over on Bentley’s 47-yard line. Jorgensen connected with wide receiver Jaylon Tucker, a graduate student, for a 24-yard gain to start the drive.
Falzon then followed with runs of two and eleven yards, setting the Owls up inside the red zone.
Jorgensen capped off the series with a 10-yard run into the end zone to cut the deficit to 13–7.
Coming out of halftime, the university’s offense carried momentum, orchestrating an 11-play, 83-yard drive to take the lead.
Jorgensen hit Edwards for 13 yards and running back John Amaning, a graduate student, broke free for a 15-yard run to move the chains.
After an 11-yard grab by fullback James Griffiths, a graduate student, Jorgensen connected with Westover for a 33-yard gain down the sideline, putting the Owls deep in Bentley territory.
Amaning added short gains before exiting with an injury, and Falzon finished the drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge to give the Owls a 14–13 advantage.
Bentley answered with two quick scoring drives — one late in the third quarter and another early in the fourth — to reclaim a 26–14 lead.
The university refused to go quietly, mounting another strong series highlighted by Falzon’s explosive running.
The sophomore tailback opened the drive with an eight-yard carry, followed by a 13-yard catch from Edwards and another Westover reception for 19 yards to push the Owls to the Bentley 25.
Falzon then broke through the defense for a 25-yard touchdown run, bringing the Owls within 26–21.
However, Bentley sealed the game late with one final touchdown, handing the Owls a hard-fought 34–21 loss on Homecoming night.
“We saw they were in a certain formation in the first half. We ran plays to counter them,” Jorgensen said.
Despite the loss, the Owls’ Homecoming performance showcased plenty of promise on both sides of the ball.
This was evident with standout efforts from veterans and emerging playmakers alike.
The team’s resilience, highlighted by timely defensive stops and a balanced offensive attack, kept the crowd engaged until the final whistle.
Students that packed the stadium left the bleachers with their head down.
This is the Owls’ fifth losing streak to the Falcons and their third loss of the season.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, the Owls will face Delaware State University on their turf in Dover, Delaware.
Students are hoping that the Owls will bring home a win.
