Monmouth’s football team secured a 21-17 win over North Carolina A&T on Saturday, extending their winning streak to seven games and strengthening their hold on the top spot in the CAA standings. The Hawks, ranked No. 14 in the FCS, improved to 8-2 overall and 7-0 in conference play, with only one CAA opponent remaining: No. 19 Campbell, who sits at 8-2 and 5-1 in conference, for the season finale on the road.
The contest was marked by Monmouth’s defensive resilience and a handful of well-executed offensive plays, including a trick play that resulted in a touchdown. The Hawks’ offense scored just 21 points, their lowest output since 2019, but that was enough to overcome the Aggies thanks to a defense that stepped up when it mattered most.
The game began with Monmouth’s signature goal line wildcat package. Running back Nazir Treadwell punched in a touchdown behind a strong block from right guard Michael Petito. This power run set the tone early and gave the Hawks a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
Later in that quarter, Monmouth capitalized on their advantage at receiver. Quarterback Frankie Weaver connected on a long pass to Gavin Nelson from a shotgun ace offset formation that featured two tight ends and balanced receivers. The play-action setup isolated deep shot options to Nelson and Tra Neal, and Weaver’s precise throw to Nelson on a post route moved the Hawks deep into North Carolina A&T territory.
Monmouth’s next score came from a trick play out of their goal line wildcat formation. Treadwell handed the ball to Neal on a reverse, and Neal then threw a touchdown pass back to Weaver. Neal, a redshirt junior receiver, has now thrown a touchdown pass in each of the past three seasons, adding a versatile dimension to Monmouth’s offense.
The third touchdown occurred in the second quarter on a different kind of deep ball. Monmouth lined up with four wide receivers in a trips left formation. The Aggies responded with a unique defensive look, crowding the line with seven defenders in their 3-3-5 personnel package and blitzing five players. Monmouth’s Kenny Smith Jr. executed a crucial block that gave Weaver just enough time to withstand pressure and deliver a go route touchdown to Christian Harrison, the lone receiver on the opposite side.
While the offense appeared more conventional than in previous weeks, the team’s execution kept the Hawks ahead. The absence of pistol formations, a staple in prior games, was notable, and Monmouth may reintroduce those looks to balance their rushing attack in upcoming matches.
Monmouth’s defense was instrumental in the win, particularly in the second half. After limited pass rush success in recent games, the front four re-emerged with force against North Carolina A&T’s mobile quarterback. Linebacker Avery Barnes and defensive end Bryce Rooks combined on a sack early in the third quarter, setting the tone.
Edge rushers Mounir Keshen and Jahide Lesaine Jr. played key roles in disrupting the Aggies’ passing game, each recording sacks on critical third downs. Keshen and Lesaine now share the team lead with 4.5 sacks apiece and lead the team in quarterback hits. Lesaine’s chance for a second sack was negated by a face mask penalty, but Keshen’s pressure helped end the drive shortly after.
The final defensive stand came with under three minutes remaining, when defensive tackle JJ Lewis executed a stunt that resulted in a seven-yard loss on the quarterback, forcing a three-and-out and sealing the win for the Hawks.
Monmouth will host Merrimack in their final home game on Saturday, aiming to solidify their position for the FCS playoffs before the season concludes at Campbell. The team could clinch the CAA title outright next week if Campbell loses to Elon, but that outcome would be considered a significant upset.
According to Yahoo Sports.
