Da'Realyst Clark's Kickoff Return Magic Lifts Kent State Past Merrimack

Saturday, August 30

Kent, Ohio

12 PM ET

Kent State University

1-0 , 0-0

Merrimack College

0-1 , 0-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Merrimack

Kent St.

Da'Realyst Clark's Kickoff Return Magic Lifts Kent State Past Merrimack

8/30/2025 4:14:00 PM | Football

Box Score Box Score Post Game Press Conference

KENT, Ohio - Da'Realyst Clark's 100-yard kickoff return touchdown with 5:28 remaining lifted Kent State to a thrilling 21-17 victory over Merrimack on Saturday afternoon at Dix Stadium. The dramatic win marked Kent State's first victory since September 16, 2023, when they defeated Central Connecticut State 38-10.

The Game-Winning Play

With Kent State trailing 17-14 and just over five minutes remaining, Merrimack's Carlton Thai connected on a 45-yard field goal to extend the Warriors' lead. But on the ensuing kickoff, Clark fielded the ball in the endzone and raced down the field for the game-winning score, sending Dix Stadium into a frenzy.

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100+ yard kick return to the CRIB for the LEAD!

KSU - 21
MC - 17
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?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/k0JWb6T2e9
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) August 30, 2025

Offensive Highlights

Kent State's offense was explosive when counted, with two touchdown passes highlighting their aerial attack. In the second quarter, C.J. Montes found Cade Wolford for a 30-yard touchdown strike to give the Golden Flashes their first lead at 7-0 in the second quarter.

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CJ Montes ?? Cade Wolford#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/ItTLJWTezS
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) August 30, 2025

The biggest offensive play of the game came early in the third quarter when quarterback Dru DeShields connected with Wolford on a 79-yard touchdown bomb. DeShields finished 6-of-10 passing for 118 yards and the long touchdown, while Montes added 91 yards and a touchdown on 6-of-9 passing.

3rd | 10:08

TOUCHDOWN FLASHES!

Dru DeShields finds Wolford for a 79 yard touchdown.

KSU - 14
MC - 3
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?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/ADNyJeqv0v
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) August 30, 2025

Wolford was the star of the receiving corps, hauling in just two catches but making them count for 109 yards and both touchdowns. His 79-yard scoring reception was the longest play from scrimmage in the contest.

Merrimack's Valiant Effort

The Warriors refused to go quietly, showing resilience throughout the contest. Quarterback Ayden Pereira rushed for 103 yards on 19 carries while completing 15-of-31 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown.

Seth Sweitzer highlighted Merrimack's passing attack, catching a 36-yard touchdown pass from Pereira in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 14-14. The score capped a 4-play, 75-yard drive that took just over two minutes.

Kicker Carlton Thai was perfect when it mattered most for Merrimack, connecting on three field goals, including kicks from 26, 37, and 45 yards. His consistency kept the Warriors in the game and briefly gave them a 17-14 lead.

Defensive Standouts

Kent State's defense came up with crucial stops when needed. Jamond Mathis led the pass rush with 1.0 sack for 10 yards and five quarterback hurries that consistently pressured Merrimack's signal-callers.

CJ Young led the defense with nine tackles as Mason Woods (eight), Jaire Rawlison (seven), and Joel Cordoba (seven) followed. Flashes also finished with five tackles for loss, two sacks, and two pass breakups.

Looking Ahead

The victory marks a new beginning for Kent State under Mark Carney's leadership, ending the nation's longest losing streak of 21 games.

Kent State travels to Lubbock, Texas, to play Texas Tech next Saturday at noon Eastern.

Quick Notes

Da'Realyst Clark's 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in the fourth provided the game-winning score.
Clark's return came immediately after Merrimack took a 17-14 lead on Carlton Thai's 45-yard field goal with 5:40 remaining.
Kent State's two touchdown passes covered 109 yards total (30-yard and 79-yard scores)
Cade Wolford caught both touchdown passes on just two total receptions, averaging 54.5 yards per catch.
Dru DeShields' 79-yard touchdown pass to Wolford in the third quarter was the longest play from scrimmage in the game
Kent State averaged 17.4 yards per completion compared to Merrimack's 11.7 yards per completion
Merrimack's Ayden Pereira was a dual threat: 103 rushing yards on 19 carries (5.4 avg) and 176 passing yards.
Merrimack's Carlton Thai went 3-for-4 on field goal attempts (26, 37, 45 yards made; 36 yards missed)
Thai's three field goals accounted for nine of Merrimack's 17 points.
Merrimack outrushed Kent State 164-96, with Ayden Pereira accounting for 103 yards.
Neither team scored a rushing touchdown despite 72 combined rushing attempts.
Merrimack controlled the ball for 31:31 compared to Kent State's 28:29
Merrimack's longest drive consumed 7:30 of game clock (14 plays, 55 yards, field goal)
Kent State's touchdown drives were quick and efficient: 2:46 (6 plays) and 0:45 (2 plays)
Merrimack was penalized 11 times for 115 yards, significantly more than Kent State's eight penalties for 65 yards.
Wayne Harris returned three punts for 30 yards (10.0 average) for Kent State.
Game played in sunny conditions, 64°F with northeast winds at 5 mph
Attendance of 8,647 at Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio
Game lasted 3 hours and 16 minutes (12:02 PM kickoff, 3:18 PM finish)

Post Game Press Conference

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