CNBNews

WAYNE, NJ -- Quarterback Mike Husni ran for a pair of one-yard touchdowns and the Rowan Defense withstood a long William Paterson drive in the fourth quarter to grind out a 14-9 win over the Pioneers for the Profs' first NJAC win of the season on Saturday.

The Prof Defense yielded a season-low 250 yards while the offense was able to produce 216 yards and make enough plays in the red zone, scoring points on two of three trips to help secure the conference victory on the road.

Husni threw for 103 yards on just 6-of-13 passing and was sacked five times, but he was able to steer the offense when it counted. Jajuan Hays ran for 53 yards on 15 carries, and James Fara added 48 yards on 18 attempts.

On the defensive side, Dhani Clifford totaled a career-high seven tackles (three solo). Jason Blanks, Vincent Guarino and John Perez each added four solo stops.

Rowan scored on its opening possession in the first quarter, going 13 plays on 64 yards capped by Husni's TD score on a first and goal.

The Pioneer's Nazir Dare picked up 106 yards on the ground, including a one-yard touchdown at the 8:14 mark of the second that ended the home team's 13-play drive. Rowan looked to get a break later in the quarter after Eric Bryant's fumble recovery off a punt gave the Profs the ball back at the Rowan 41-yard-line. Five plays later though, Rowan gave it back on a Fara fumble in William Paterson's territory to help keep it a 7-7 score at the break.

Rowan's second scoring drive came in the third, starting at their own 41-yard-line. A personal foul penalty gave the offense 15 yards and later, Husni hooked up with Eddie Jamison on a 20-yard completion to get it down to the WPU 2. On a second and goal from the one, Husni struck paydirt again, putting the Profs back on top, 14-7.

Rowan drove down to the WPU 22 on 13 plays on their ensuing possession. Facing a fourth and 8, Jake Hurler's 39-yard field goal attempt was wide, keeping it a one-score game.

Bryant's interception on the next Pioneer series looked to turn the momentum but he would lose the ball on the return, giving it back to William Paterson at its own 34-yard line. WPU took off over nine minutes in the final stanza but faced a fourth and 6 from the Rowan 12. Simon Conemi's pass was incomplete, turning the ball back to the Profs on downs with just 1:09 remaining. The Pioneers used timeouts to force a fourth and 10 from the Rowan 12 with seven ticks on the clock. After Husni was forced out of the end zone for a safety, the clock still showed one second to play.

On the ensuing kickoff, Blanks came up with a big forced fumble and recovery on the return to help seal up the win.

Next week, Rowan welcomes Kean to Coach Richard Wacker Stadium for a Homecoming clash. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m.