The Montclair State University football team held their annual homecoming game last Saturday night against The College Of New Jersey (TCNJ). However, this was no normal homecoming game, as this football matchup had plenty of festivities surrounding it.
A live band performed in the parking lot right outside Sprague Field and the Red Hawk Sports Network held their first-ever live show prior to the game.
Montclair State held its homecoming in person this year after a virtual edition of the event in 2020.
Chris Krusberg | The Montclarion
(Left to right): Seniors Jon Kociban and Jess Liptzin and sophomore Jonathan Edmond were part of the Red Hawk Sports Network live show last Saturday.
Chris Krusberg | The Montclarion
At halftime, the Red Hawks recognized the achievements of the 1970 Montclair State football team, which was celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Knute Rockne Bowl game victory.
Members of the 1970 Montclair State football team are honored at halftime.
Chris Krusberg | The Montclarion
Soon after that, the Montclair State cheer and dance teams performed their respective routines, ending with thunderous applause from the supporting crowd.
The Montclair State cheerleading team performed at halftime for the game.
Chris Krusberg | The Montclarion
As for the result, the Red Hawks were defeated by TCNJ in a gut-wrenching fashion by a score of 14-9. Senior quarterback Ja’Quill Burch led a late, fourth-quarter drive down the field, but unfortunately, could not convert the game-winning touchdown pass to graduate student and wide receiver/defensive back Zahir Wilder. The Red Hawks have fallen to a record of 1-5 on the season and 0-2 in New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) play.
The offensive line prepares to block as senior center Michael DeSarno gets ready to snap the ball.
Chris Krusberg | The Montclarion
Senior linebacker Adens Georges moves the ball upfield.
Chris Krusberg | The Montclarion
Junior wide receiver Clarence Wilkins tries to come down with the catch over a TCNJ defender.
Chris Krusberg | The Montclarion
The ball falls off the fingertips of graduate student Zahir Wilder.
Chris Krusberg | The Montclarion
Montclair State looks to get back on the win column next Saturday against Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, at 1 p.m.
