Written by Department of Athletics student-staff writer Joseph Mclaughlin

RINDGE, NH (9/21/23) - After a strong start, the Ravens could not contain the might of the New Haven Chargers, as they lost their home opener 41-14 on Saturday. It was the largest deficit the Ravens have experienced this season. 

The Ravens dropped to 2-2 this season and 1-1 in the NE10.  

Things were going well for the Ravens in the first quarter as the Chargers fumbled a snap that resulted in a recovery for the Ravens. The offense got to work, capitalizing on the turnover with a rushing touchdown by sophomore running back Alex Benitez (Belle Meade, NJ). The Ravens would hold on to a 7-0 lead for the rest of the first quarter.  

Things then went in the Chargers' favor as New Haven would score 27 points in the second quarter. The graduate tight end Kevin Foelsch would get two receiving touchdowns to start. Then the graduate running back Hunter Cobb would score a five-yard rushing touchdown, followed by graduate wide receiver Elijah Jeffreys who scored a thirty-yard receiving touchdown. The Chargers led 27-7 at the half.  

The Chargers continued their success in the second half with two more touchdowns by graduate receiver Dev Holmes and a pick-six by senior linebacker Devin O'Malley. The Ravens would score again with less than six minutes left in the game. Graduate quarterback Jordan McAfee (Everett, Mass.) made a quick pass over the middle for sophomore receiver Jahmir Dixon (Philadelphia, Penn). who scored the Ravens second touchdown of the night.  

The Ravens' struggles came from penalties in the second quarter and turnovers in the second half. At the end of the game, the offense returned to its first quarter performance.  

NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The Ravens have a bye week next week and will take on Southern Connecticut State the following week on October 7th at 1pm.