Wallington Freshman QB Leads Montclair State To Victory

John DiStefano rushed for 189 yards and two touchdowns and caught a 70 yard pass from Ryan Adzima, as Montclair State opened its season Friday night with a 25-15 victory against FDU-Florham Park in the season opener for both teams.

Lodi's Joe Falato had a key fumble recovery to thwart FDU-Madison's comeback, giving Montclair State a win in its opening game of the season.
Photo Credit: *Montclair State University/Athletic Department*

Faith Ballantine-Armonaitis

09/10/2016 3:00 p.m.

Adzima, a freshman from Wallington starting in his first game, played at DePaul High School in Wayne. Adzima finished with 135 yards passing, a touchdown and an interception. Adzima’s touchdown pass gave the Red Hawks a 7-0 lead in the first quarter and set the stage for DiStefano’s huge game.

The Devils bounced back from a 10-0 deficit, to take a 15-10 lead before Montclair came storming back onDiStefano’s two touchdown runs.

FDU’s final chance at a comeback ended in the fourth quarter when Montclair defensive lineman Joe Falato, from Lodi, recovered a fumble off a sack of the Devils' quarterback. The Red Hawks then ran out the clock.

Montclair is next in action against Salisbury (Md.) on the road next Saturday, while FDU tries to pick up its first win of the season Friday evening against Widener University.

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