Former Central Catholic star Matthias Latham scored Merrimack College’s lone touchdown, as the Warriors opened the season with a 34-7 loss to Rhode Island.
Latham scored a 2-yard touchdown with 5:15 left in the first quarter, tying the game at 7-7. It was the second career touchdown for the resident of Salem, N.H.
But URI responded with 27 unanswered points to pull away for the win.
AJ Hairston (12 of 23, 145 yards) and Cole Meehan (12 of 17, 116 yards) both saw time at quarterback for the Warriors. Bryce Goulet (four catches, 67 yards) and Stephon Patrick (two catches, 62 yards) were Merrimack’s top targets.
Leading the Warriors on defense were Micah Green (nine tackles) and Danny Simms (eight tackles).
Merrimack will look to get into the win column on Sept. 3, when they visit Delaware.