The University of New Hampshire football team opened its season with a bang on Saturday at Cowell Stadium, defeating the Blue Devils from Central Connecticut State University, 33-3.
It was a game where everything clicked for the Wildcats, both offensively and defensively. But, in front of a crowd of 7,419, the most electricity was provided by the rushing attack.
Sophomore back Dontra Peters, who got the starting nod in place of an injured Sean Jellison, tore apart the CCSU defense and rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. The most spectacular run came on a fourth down and one on the CCSU 47-yard line. Peters broke through the line and rushed past the defensive backfield for the score.
UNH head coach Sean McDonnell said that he thought it was a really good start for a game that, going in there was a lot of nervousness about.
"I talked to the team last night about having the ability to run the ball and stop the run," McDonnell said. "I thought our offensive and defensive lines did a great job. For an opener, the good thing is we won it, the great thing is we can go out and practice Monday, get a little bit better and get ready for the next game."
Two things were evident on the opening kickoff for the Wildcats: they were ready to make big plays to start the season, and the team was glad to have senior wide receiver/kick returner Terrance Fox back.
Fox, who missed the entire 2009 season due to suspension, returned the opening kickoff 91 yards for a score, just 16 seconds into the game. UNH went for the ensuing two-point conversion, but was denied.
"I missed all of it [last season being out]," Fox said. "I just wanted to pay them back, just like they would do for me. On the kick, I saw a lot of green, and I got a good block and cut it across."
Just over six minutes later, Peters broke the 47-yarder for UNH's second score of the game, putting them up 13-0 early. The scoring continued in the second quarter for New Hampshire and Peters, as the back broke through the line again 15 yards out and trotted into the endzone for the touchdown.
Minutes later, it was senior quarterback R.J. Toman's turn to take control of offense.
On the CCSU 3-yard line, Toman faked a handoff to Peters, which evidently was where the 11-man defense was looking. Toman kept the ball and lofted a pass to the back of the endzone, where junior tight end Chris Jeannot was waiting. The score put UNH up, 26-0.
Only a field goal was mustered by the Blue Devils in the closing seconds of the first half.
There were several opportunities for UNH to capitalize in the second half, but the lone score came on a Randi Vines 30-yard interception return for six.
Toman finished the day with 84 yards passing, including a touchdown, and 34 rushing. Jeannot pulled in five receptions, one for the only passing touchdown of the day. But it was Peters in his first start that made the largest impact.
"When I was running I was just following my reads and going to where the holes were," Peters said. "I knew my offensive line was going to fight as much as I did, and overall at the end of the day, we got the ‘W.'"
UNH will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the FBS Panthers at Heinz Field this Saturday. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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