By Tiffany Williams –
Coaches discuss defensive heroics, explosive rushing attacks, quarterback development, injuries and the growing pressure of November football during Monday’s conference media call.
The Coastal Athletic Association’s football coaches returned to the microphone Monday with plenty to discuss following a weekend of dramatic finishes, defensive touchdowns and crucial conference victories.
Monmouth extended its winning streak to six games. Rhode Island survived Maine in overtime. UAlbany knocked off nationally ranked Campbell. Bryant struggled to contain one of the conference’s most productive rushing attacks, while New Hampshire used its bye week to prepare for another difficult conference matchup.
The coaches offered detailed assessments of their teams during the conference’s weekly media call, discussing everything from offensive-line development and defensive adjustments to injuries, missed opportunities and the pressure of competing for a championship.
For Monmouth coach Jeff Gallo, Saturday’s 34-21 victory over Bryant was another important step forward, even if the performance was not without flaws.
“I, I liked the effort we gave. I thought we started fast. Um, we played physical when you watch the film. We played physical, um, which is big on, on all offense, defense, and special teams. Played physical football, started fast, kind of built off each other, offense, defense, and special teams,” Gallo said.
The Hawks established control early and used their rushing attack to overwhelm Bryant.
Elijah Jennings rushed for 175 yards and two touchdowns, while Kenny Smith Jr. added 157 yards and two scores. Monmouth finished with 319 rushing yards.
Gallo credited the physicality of his team but acknowledged that the Hawks must improve their ability to close games.
“Kind of stacking to build some momentum and take control of the game. I didn’t like how we finished the first half, but we started the second half strong with a turnover there and getting points off of it. I think we did a good job of just really playing with an edge, you know, making it mean something to play at home,” Gallo said.
“There’s room for improvement. You know, as we get late in the game and we get backup guys in, we got to play cleaner and finish games out to build that depth out and be better in some situational football.”
The running back combination of Jennings and Smith has become one of Monmouth’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
Gallo said their versatility allows the Hawks to rotate players without substantially changing the offense.
“Yeah, I think the best part is that they’re very similar, so they’re interchangeable as you go through a drive, or a series, or a game. Both have good speed and quickness, um, good vision, have the ability to run between the tackles, but can also get the ball on the perimeter. Uh, they can catch the ball in the backfield. They’re multiple in their skill sets.”
Their production has been supported by an offensive line that has developed despite limited starting experience.
Gallo said many of the linemen had been in the program but had not previously played extensive minutes.
“No, uh, Coach Gabe has done a great job of kind of gelling these guys. It’s a lot of first-year… we were very experienced last year, so they’re the guys who’ve been in our program, per se, just haven’t played a lot.”
The Hawks’ ability to generate explosive rushing plays has been particularly encouraging.
“I like that we found some explosive runs again on Saturday, so the ability to get you 5, 6, 7, 8, but also, you know, hit some home runs there in the run game, which I think is huge, um, to generate explosives,” Gallo said.
Monmouth has also continued improving defensively.
Gallo said the development has been especially noticeable in tackling and third-down situations, although he believes the Hawks remain capable of playing considerably better.
“Improving. I think as a team, we’re not a finished product. Um, we’re gonna, we have to keep getting better to get to where we want to go. I think we’ve improved every week on defense. Our tackling has gotten better. Um, our third down defense has gotten better and those are two critical things.”
The Hawks now prepare for North Carolina A&T, which has won four of its previous five games.
Gallo rejected the suggestion that the Aggies should simply be regarded as a pesky opponent.
“I don’t… I don’t… I don’t think they’re pesky. They’re a good team,” he said.
He pointed to North Carolina A&T’s improving offense, mobile quarterback, defensive versatility and special-teams threats.
The championship implications are becoming increasingly significant. During the call, Gallo was asked about Monmouth being two conference victories away from an outright title.
His response emphasized maintaining a narrow focus.
“Yeah, it’s a great question, and it’s been our approach all year, it’s just a one-week season.”
The message was clear. Monmouth may be approaching a conference championship, but its coach is unwilling to look beyond the next opponent.
Rhode Island coach Jim Fleming had a very different kind of victory to dissect.
The Rams defeated Maine 14-13 in overtime, surviving a physical defensive battle despite being outgained 352-212.
Rhode Island struggled offensively throughout much of the contest, but an 84-yard interception return by Tyson Grimm and a decisive blocked extra point helped the Rams escape.
“Well, it’s like you said, I mean, it was a knockdown drag out,” Fleming said.
The coach acknowledged that the Rams had difficulty sustaining offensive possessions and committed mistakes that placed additional pressure on their defense.
“We, you know, we turned the ball over early in the second half, we, you know, couldn’t, you know, maintain, you know, offensive stuff, but, um, we found a way to win, which was the critical piece.”
Maine controlled several statistical categories, but Rhode Island repeatedly prevented the Black Bears from turning field position into points.
Fleming praised the determination of his defense.
“I think that, you know, Maine’s a tough team. I think Jordan’s doing a good job with those guys. I think that, you know, that they came in. Uh, really, when you look at statistically, it probably put, you know, put a better statistic game together than we did.”
“But, uh… you know, I gotta give great credit to, you know, our resolve, our staying in it, continued to battle, and then… defensively, it was nothing short of historic.”
Grimm’s interception return late in the first half was one of the defining plays.
With Rhode Island’s offense struggling, the defensive touchdown gave the Rams a desperately needed lift.
Fleming recalled watching Grimm break toward the end zone.
“I started seeing him go, and I looked up, and there was a… there was a lane, so I hit… I’m sitting there, go!”
“He took it, and it was a tremendous lift, obviously. I mean, you know, we’d been struggling, and that’s what you look for. You look for a guy to step up and make a play, and Tyson did it.”
The Rams also received an extraordinary defensive performance from Rohan Davey, who recorded 19 tackles.
Fleming praised Davey’s energy and physicality, particularly with another key defender unavailable.
“He’s a lightning rod, as you know. I mean, he plays with great energy, great enthusiasm, and he really played square. You saw him square some guys up in the hole and knock them back. It was a very impressive game for him.”
Rhode Island’s victory ultimately came down to special teams.
Maine scored first in overtime but failed to convert the extra point after Patrick Tonser blocked the attempt.
The Rams answered with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Alex McClelland to Marquis Buchanan, followed by Ty Groff’s successful extra point.
Fleming explained that Rhode Island had practiced the technique Tonser used to get through the protection.
“Uh, to be able to land on the other side and then elevate, and, uh, that’s what Pat did, you know, we practice it.”
The coach described how Tonser worked through a gap in the offensive line and elevated into the path of the kick.
“And got elevated, and the ball was just low enough where he could get his big mid on it, and it was a difference in the game, which was huge.”
The winning touchdown also carried historical significance.
Buchanan’s performance moved him into first place on Rhode Island’s all-time receiving-yardage list.
Fleming said the record was particularly meaningful because Buchanan is a local player who remained committed to the Rams.
“It’s just so appropriate. You know, how do you write a better script than that in a tight football game?”
He praised Buchanan’s connection to the program and his decision to finish his career at Rhode Island.
“You look at a guy who is roadie through and through. I mean, he’s classical high school, he’s a local legend up in Providence. He made decisions not to go anywhere else because he wanted to finish here as a Ram.”
Rhode Island now turns its attention to New Hampshire, a program Fleming said has long represented an important benchmark for the Rams.
“New Hampshire was a team that we kind of modeled ourselves after right now, trying to be the extent that all those guys took 17 straight years to the playoffs. That’s an incredible accomplishment in the history of New Hampshire football.”
The matchup carries additional significance because of the history between the two programs.
Fleming warned that New Hampshire’s close losses should not be mistaken for an inability to compete.
“They’re a hard team to play at New Hampshire, always have been.”
New Hampshire coach Sean Goldrich also addressed the upcoming matchup, discussing his team’s developing passing offense and the challenges Rhode Island presents.
Goldrich said the Wildcats have benefited from improved receiver production and the emergence of quarterback Tommy McLeish.
McLeish threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns in his first start, providing New Hampshire with a potential answer at quarterback.
Goldrich praised the contributions of several receivers, including Ryan Ricchetti.
“I think last week was Ryan Ricchetti’s turn. Um, you know, it was really good to see him making some plays and winning man coverage.”
The coach said the Wildcats have benefited from different receivers stepping forward at different times.
He also credited an inexperienced offensive line for continuing to develop despite occasional struggles.
“I gotta give the offensive line credit. You know, statistically, I know they’ve struggled a little bit at times, but ultimately they fight.”
McLeish’s development could become especially important as New Hampshire enters the final portion of its schedule.
Goldrich said the Wildcats are looking for a quarterback capable of becoming one of the conference’s top passers.
“We’re looking for a guy that can be an elite-level passer in the CAA, and, um, you know, he shows flashes of that.”
New Hampshire is coming off a bye week, giving the coaching staff additional time to evaluate its personnel and prepare for Rhode Island.
Goldrich said there is no universal answer about when a bye week should fall.
“Yeah, you know, I think it kind of depends on where you’re at as a team, right?”
He explained that a late bye can provide valuable recovery time for teams dealing with injuries and preparing for the final stretch.
But the benefits disappear if players fail to respond.
“Late in the year is nice, because you are pretty beat up. Um, you know, it’s all about the response from these guys, too, though.”
Goldrich described Rhode Island as an athletic, well-coached opponent with dangerous receiving talent and an improving quarterback.
“I mean, it starts with their receiver, who’s one of the best in the country.”
He said New Hampshire must be prepared for a team capable of creating problems on both sides of the football.
Bryant coach Chris Merritt, meanwhile, was left examining a difficult loss to Monmouth.
The Bulldogs fell behind early and could not recover, eventually losing 34-21.
Merritt said Bryant’s inability to establish momentum during the opening stages proved costly.
“I wish we had, uh… Came out a little bit quicker on both sides of the football, and once the momentum got against us, it just seemed like it was… the opportunity for us to catch up and get back in it just kind of slipped further and further away.”
The coach acknowledged that Bryant’s offense did not begin producing consistently until the second half.
He also offered considerable praise for Monmouth.
“But, you know, hats off to Monmouth. That really is a good football team. I think they’re the cream of the conference this year from the teams that we’ve played so far, at least.”
Merritt said the Hawks’ offensive line and running backs presented major challenges.
“Well, I think their offensive line is elite. I think their offensive line is well coached.”
He emphasized the patience of Monmouth’s runners and their ability to recognize developing openings.
Bryant struggled to connect on downfield passing opportunities, even when receivers appeared to have separation.
Merritt said the Bulldogs must improve their accuracy and give receivers more opportunities to compete for contested catches.
“An overthrown ball is 0-100. You know, we gotta get the ball 50-50.”
The coach said those missed opportunities repeatedly put Bryant in difficult situations.
He also discussed the importance of turnovers and ball security, explaining that the Bulldogs have made those areas a major practice priority.
“We place an emphasis on it,” Merritt said.
Bryant now faces UAlbany, another physical opponent capable of generating offense through multiple players and producing points on defense.
Merritt said the Great Danes’ ability to run with quarterbacks and running backs creates additional problems for opposing defenses.
He described the challenge of facing a team that can consistently produce positive yardage without depending exclusively on explosive plays.
“They’re gonna get their consistent four or five yards a clip, and we have to find a way to get some TFLs and make them into some long yardage situations and find a way to get them to punt.”
For Bryant, the challenge is particularly important as the season enters November.
Merritt said the program’s goal was to compete in meaningful games late in the year.
Now the Bulldogs must prove they can execute against another strong opponent.
UAlbany coach Tom Perkovich entered Monday’s call with a major victory to celebrate.
The Great Danes defeated No. 12 Campbell 45-35, producing two defensive touchdowns and forcing turnovers that proved critical against one of the conference’s more dangerous offenses.
Perkovich praised his team’s preparation and its ability to respond when Campbell attempted to rally.
“They were ready to play, I thought,” he said.
The coach credited Campbell for continuing to compete but said UAlbany’s ability to make important plays late helped secure the victory.
“I liked how we kind of bared down at the end there, and… And made some plays on both sides of the ball and were able to pull it out.”
The Great Danes received a major early boost when Dillon Dunathan returned a fumble 77 yards for a touchdown.
The play changed the momentum after Campbell had moved the ball effectively on its opening possession.
Perkovich credited Jeremiah Pruitt for forcing the turnover.
“A great play by Jeremiah Pruitt, punching it out, bounced right up, right into Dunney’s hands.”
UAlbany also scored on an interception return by Jamari Young.
Those defensive touchdowns accounted for 14 points in a game the Great Danes won by 10.
Perkovich acknowledged their importance.
“Obviously they’re huge, right? You win by 10, you get 14 from your, you know, your defense essentially.”
The coach said he had challenged the offense to improve its production following takeaways.
Instead, the defense began scoring on its own.
“The defense, I guess, took it personal to go and do it themselves.”
Another major contributor was senior defensive lineman Shawan Lewis, who recorded 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Lewis was named one of the conference’s Co-Defensive Players of the Week.
Perkovich said Lewis’ performance reflected his ability to use technique, leverage and relentless effort against Campbell’s offensive line.
“He just played… played long, you know, he, uh, was starting to get a feel and get around the edge a little bit at times, and play through some double teams.”
The coach also praised Lewis’ ability to attack the football while pressuring the quarterback.
“He did a really nice job of stripping the quarterback and making sure that was part of the sack.”
UAlbany’s victory was not without concern.
Running back Rahshan La Mons suffered an injury, and Perkovich said the team was still evaluating its severity.
“Nothing yet. It looks like an ankle sprain of some sort. Trying to still gauge on how severe it is right now.”
Asked whether the injury could end La Mons’ season, Perkovich said that was not the expectation at the time of the call.
“Uh, not as of right now, but, you know, I think we’ll know more over the next couple days.”
Before the injury, La Mons delivered one of the game’s most memorable plays with a 63-yard touchdown run.
Perkovich credited right guard Devin Taylor for helping create the opportunity and praised La Mons’ balance and determination.
The coach said the play ranked among the most impressive runs he had seen from the veteran back.
It also provided an early emotional lift for UAlbany.
The Great Danes now prepare for Bryant, which will attempt to rebound from its loss to Monmouth.
Across the conference, Monday’s media call revealed several common themes.
Monmouth is winning but demanding better execution.
Rhode Island is surviving difficult games through defense and special teams.
New Hampshire is searching for greater consistency from its developing offense.
Bryant is attempting to recover from a slow start and missed passing opportunities.
UAlbany is using defensive pressure and turnovers to produce victories against nationally ranked competition.
And with November underway, the margin for error continues to shrink.
Gallo’s description of Monmouth’s approach may also capture the challenge facing every CAA team as the regular season moves toward its conclusion.
“It’s just a one-week season.”
For the coaches, that means reviewing mistakes, preparing for the next opponent and demanding improvement regardless of the previous result.
For the players, it means another opportunity to deliver the kind of performance that can change a season.
And for the conference, the final stretch promises more high-pressure football, more consequential matchups and more moments that will determine who remains standing when the championship race is decided.