US EditionClark’s 100-Yard Kickoff Return Ends Kent State’s 21-Game Losing Streak, 21-17 over Merrimack
Kent State secured victory with a 100-yard kickoff return and outperformed Merrimack in total net yards 340 to 309, officials reported.
- On Saturday, Da'Realyst Clark returned a kickoff 100-yard for a touchdown to lift Kent State Golden Flashes to a 21-17 win over Merrimack Warriors, delivering the decisive play with 5:28 remaining.
- After a drought stretching back to September 16, 2023, Kent State celebrated its first win, ringing the bell at Dix Stadium for the first time in 714 days under interim head coach Mark Carney.
- Wide receiver Cade Wolford provided the offense with two touchdowns for 109 yards, while Merrimack scored on a 45-yard field goal by Carlton Thai and Ayden Pereira connected with Seth Sweitzer for 36 yards plus a 2-point conversion to Aveon Smith.
- Interim head coach Mark Carney said the defense delivered key stops led by linebacker CJ Young with nine tackles, and Kent State now prepares for Texas Tech next Saturday at noon Eastern.
- With momentum on their side, Kent State's victory renews confidence, highlighted by Jamon Mathis's relentless pressure and Cade Wolford's leadership as they prepare to face Texas Tech.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Kent State defeats Merrimack to end nation’s longest skid
Da'Realyst Clark returned a kickoff 100 yards for a go-ahead touchdown with 5:28 left in the game as Kent State notched a 21-17 home victory over FCS Merrimack to end the nation's longest losing streak at 21 games. The victory was the first for the Golden Flashes since defeating Central Connecticut State 38-10 on Sept. 16, 2023. Kent State lost its final nine games that season and went 0-12 in 2024. Dru DeShields and CJ Montes each threw a touch…
Clark’s 100-yard kickoff return ends Kent State’s 21-game losing streak, over Merrimack
KENT — Da’Realyst Clark returned a kickoff 100-yard for a touchdown to lift Kent State to a 21-17 win over Merrimack on Saturday, ending the Golden Flashes’ 21-game losing streak in interim coach Mark Carney’s first game. The Warriors took their only lead on a 45-yard field goal by Carlton Thai with 5:40 to play. A turnover set up the score. Clark then fielded the ensuing kickoff a couple yards deep in the end zone and burst up the right hash ma…
Associated Press News
Clark's 100-yard kickoff return ends Kent State's 21-game losing streak, 21-17 over Merrimack
Da’Realyst Clark returned a kickoff 100-yard for a touchdown to lift Kent State to a 21-17 win over Merrimack on Saturday, ending the Golden Flashes’ 21-game losing streak in interim coach Mark Carney’s first game.
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