SMITHFIELD, R.I. (AP) — Michael McLafferty and Julian Hayes each scored touchdowns and Monmouth held on to defeat Bryant 21-18 Saturday.
McLafferty had a 52-yard reception, then followed with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Hill to give Monmouth (6-5) a 7-3 lead. Monmouth scored again during Bryant’s next series on offense when Tevrin Brandon returned a blocked punt 18 yards for a TD, pushing the Hawks’ lead to 14-3. Hayes ran for a 14-yard score to cap the scoring for Monmouth.
Hayes had 20 carries for 84 yards while McLafferty finished with four receptions for 84 yards.
Bryant (4-7) scored two touchdowns in the second half. Ryan Black rushed for a 14-yard TD. Mike Westerhaus hit Jordan Harris for an 11-yard score to bring the Bulldogs within three with 12:31 remaining. Westerhaus led a 12-play drive to the Hawks’ 18, yet Tom Alberti missed a 35-yard field goal attempt, ending Bryant’s threat.
