The contest began with high energy and palpable intensity on both sides. Miami seized the early momentum midway through the first quarter with a meticulously executed four-play drive. Running back Keyon Mozee powered his way through the Massachusetts defense, breaking free for a 27-yard touchdown run that electrified the home crowd. The Redhawks celebrated their early lead, but it was short-lived as the Minutemen quickly answered back. Massachusetts matched Miami’s pace with a well-orchestrated drive of their own, and by the end of the first quarter, the score was locked at 10-10, setting the tone for a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle.
As the second quarter unfolded, both teams found themselves in a defensive stalemate. The offenses struggled to find openings, leading to a slow, methodical battle for field position. Miami’s defense stood firm, repeatedly stifling Massachusetts’ attempts to break through. On the other side, Massachusetts’ defense was equally determined, shutting down Miami’s offensive schemes. The only points scored in the second quarter came from field goals, with Jacob Lurie converting for Massachusetts and Dom Dzioban responding in kind for Miami. The evenly matched nature of the game was evident as the teams headed into halftime tied at 10, with neither side able to claim a decisive edge.
Photo Cred: Megan Fry
The third quarter saw Miami regain its footing offensively. Quarterback Brett Gabbert, who had been kept relatively quiet in the first half, found his rhythm and began picking apart the Massachusetts defense. In a pivotal drive, Gabbert connected with wide receiver Javon Tracy on a perfectly timed route, resulting in a touchdown that gave Miami a much-needed lead. The Miami defense, bolstered by the momentum from the offense, tightened its grip on Massachusetts, denying them any significant scoring opportunities throughout the third quarter. The Redhawks seemed poised to take control of the game, but Massachusetts was far from finished.
The fourth quarter brought heightened drama, as Massachusetts came roaring back with renewed determination. In a grueling 8-play drive, the Minutemen marched down the field, and CJ Hester capped it off by muscling his way into the end zone for a rushing touchdown. The Redhawks, now under pressure, struggled to respond immediately, and Massachusetts edged ahead late in the game with a field goal, putting Miami in a precarious position. With just 40 seconds left on the clock, it seemed like the game might slip away from the Redhawks. However, Miami’s offense remained composed under pressure.
In a do-or-die moment, Dzioban delivered a clutch 47-yard field goal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and forcing the game into overtime. The overtime period saw both teams battle fiercely for the upper hand, but Massachusetts stumbled during their offensive possession, failing to advance the ball effectively. This opened the door for Miami to seize control. The Redhawks, riding the momentum of Dzioban’s earlier heroics, moved the ball efficiently in just four plays. With the game on the line, Dzioban once again stepped up, delivering another crucial field goal that clinched the victory for Miami.
The stadium erupted in celebration as the Redhawks secured their first win of the season, a hard-fought, emotional triumph that could serve as a turning point for the team going forward. This win not only snapped Miami’s winless streak but also underscored the resilience and heart of a team determined to turn its season around. The remembrance jerseys honoring the Western College for Women made the victory even more meaningful, as the players paid tribute to the past while fighting for their future.
