CALDWELL, N.J.- Caldwell University sprint football sophomore Carl Watson (Newark, N.J.) topped 100 yards receiving and scored a late touchdown as the Cougars fell to Cornell University 28-11 in their Collegiate Sprint Football League opener.
 
The Cougars open the 2018 season at 0-1, while the Big Red improve to 1-0.
 
Caldwell scored on their opening drive as freshman Dajuan Carr (Newark, N.J.) has a key 27-yard run to put the Caldwell offense inside the Cornell 20-yard-line. Sophomore Christian Cornelius (Woodland Park. N.J.) connected on a 34-yard field goal to put the Cougars on the board 3-0.
 
Cornell found the end zone late in the opening quarter to take a 7-3 lead. The Big Red added a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter and led 21-3 at halftime.
 
The teams battled through a scoreless third quarter but Cornell added a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
 
Caldwell recorded a safety late in the fourth quarter and took advantage of good field position on their ensuing offensive possession.
 
Freshman quarterback Tajae' Irby (South Plainfield, N.J.) hit Carr for a 13 yard and six yard pass play to push the Cougar offense to the 26-yard-line. Watson hauled in pass from Irby and raced down the field for Caldwell first touchdown of the season.
 
Sophomore Vincent Crisafi (Clark, N.J.) completed 11-of-21 for 100 yards in the air, while Irby finished 10-of-13 for 158 and a touchdown. Watson hauled in eight receptions for 117 yards and found the end zone. Carr posted eight catches for 107 yards.
 
Freshman Haleem Woods (Plainfield, N.J.) led the defense with nine tackles, while freshman Askari Garner (Orange, N.J.) recorded seven tackles and one sack. Sophomore Randy Antenor (Jersey City, N.J.) tallied seven tackles, one sack and recovered a fumble. Antenor blocked a third quarter field goal and added a blocked punt in the fourth quarter.
 
The Cougars are back on action on Saturday, September 22 as they host Saint Thomas Aquinas for their homecoming game at 7 pm at James Caldwell High School.