Roland Dempster’s Hat Trick, Stony Brook Defense Crush Merrimack 35–10

By Tiffany Williams –

redtexturedeconomynewsyoutubethumbnail_20241128_212704_00008424520492500696465 Roland Dempster’s Hat Trick, Stony Brook Defense Crush Merrimack 35–10

Stony Brook rode a bruising defense and a hat trick from running back Roland Dempster to roll past Merrimack 35–10 on Saturday at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium.

The Seawolves (2-3) set the tone early with Michael Mannino’s 49-yard field goal and a 3-yard touchdown catch by Dez Williams from Chris Zellous. After Merrimack’s lone highlight—a 19-yard scoring strike from Ayden Pereira to Keshawn Brown midway through the second quarter—Stony Brook clamped down and dominated the rest of the way.

Dempster was the difference-maker offensively, punching in touchdowns from 2, 5, and 1 yard out to power a ground attack that wore Merrimack down. Enda Kirby added a 39-yard field goal as the Seawolves built a 20–7 halftime cushion.

From there, it was all defense. Stony Brook recorded four sacks and nine tackles for loss, harassing Pereira into a 6-for-24 passing day for just 60 yards. The Warriors (1-4) mustered only 3.6 yards per carry on 45 rushes, with Pereira ironically leading the team in rushing at 66 yards. Even after Merrimack blocked a punt late in the third quarter and started at the Seawolves’ 20, Stony Brook forced three straight incompletions to limit the damage to a field goal.

Linebacker Anthony Ferrelli anchored the defensive charge with 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks, while Aidan Kaler added nine stops and three hurries. Dyshier Clary and Franco Milano chipped in a sack apiece, and Damario Crawford broke up two passes to frustrate the Warriors’ receivers.

Merrimack’s offense stalled repeatedly after its second-quarter touchdown, punting on three straight possessions while Stony Brook extended its lead. The Warriors never regained momentum.

By game’s end, the Seawolves had turned in their stingiest defensive performance of the season—fewest points, fewest yards, and a relentless front that dictated play.

Next up: Stony Brook looks to build on the win in CAA play, while Merrimack will try to regroup and find consistency on offense.