Great Danes Kick Off Season with Convincing Win
UAlbany’s football team opened its season with a 28-14 victory over New Hampshire, a result that underscored the program’s early progress under first-year head coach Tom Perkovich.
The Great Danes piled up 374 rushing yards, highlighted by junior running back Joey Koch’s team-high 144 yards, while quarterback Kai Colón added 90 yards on the ground after an early interception.
Rahshan La Mons contributed a one-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7, and senior quarterback Aidan Semo threw two rushing touchdowns, helping the team build a 21-7 halftime lead.
In the third quarter the offense traded scores with the opposition, extending the margin to 14 points, before a tipped pass by junior linebacker Dillon Dunathan produced an interception that halted New Hampshire’s comeback attempt in the fourth.
The win marks the beginning of the Coastal Athletic Association schedule for the Great Danes and sets the stage for a Thursday night showdown against an FBS opponent at the University at Buffalo.
Coach Perkovich praised the team’s execution and depth, noting that the rushing attack and defensive adjustments will be key as the season unfolds.
Key Performances and Stats
Statistically, the ground game accounted for the bulk of the offense, with the team’s rushing yards far outpacing any passing totals, while the defense limited New Hampshire to just 14 points despite a late surge.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming matchup at University at Buffalo presents a new test against a higher-tier opponent, but the early win provides confidence as the Great Danes aim to sustain momentum throughout the conference slate.