College Football: Bridgewater State Downs Fitchburg State

By Jim Fenton, The Enterprise (Brockton)

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University football team finished the first month of the season with a second straight win.

Quarterback Danny Higgins threw three touchdown passes and became the program's all-time leader in career passing yards as the Bears defeated Fitchburg State, 34-25, at Swenson Field Friday night.

Bridgewater State (2-2) improved to 2-0 in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference while dropping the Falcons (1-3) to 0-2.

Higgins surpassed Mike McCarthy, who held the record with 4,672 yards, and now has 4,777 yards.

The Bears held a 27-7 lead at halftime, scoring four straight touchdowns after falling behind early.

The game was even at 7-7 at the end of the first quarter with each quarterback throwing a touchdown pass on third down.

Fitchburg State took the opening kickoff and went 81 yards in seven plays. A 48-yard pass from Garrett Dellechiaie to Devin Summiel putting the Falcons at the BSU 14.

Facing a third-and-seven, Garrett Dellechiaie found Jesse Brown in the end zone for an 11-yard score and Christopher Ludwig added the kick just 3:03 into the game.

The Bears answered with 3:38 to play in the opening quarter on a 5-yard TD pass from Higgins to Malik Garrett on third-and-goal. Russell Bolarinho added the point after.

With 6:35 left in the half, Travis Bassett caught a 16-yard TD pass from Higgins as Bridgewater State went 85 yards in seven plays.

Alex McLaughlin then scored on a 15-yard run with 3:01 left in the half to cap a five-play, 54-yard drive and Higgins threw a 21-yard TD pass to Jack Lavanchy with 1:18 remaining before the break.

The Falcons got within 27-13 with 3:18 left in the third quarter when Brown caught a 5-yard TD pass from James Antonelli and Ben Sattiewhite caught a 20-yard TD pass with 5:09 remaining.

BSU's Charles McCarthy sealed the win by returning an interception for a TD late.

There was a moment of silence prior to the game in memory of BSU student and cheerleader Hayley Sanford, who died Wednesday in a car accident.