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Joshua Ermeus '26

Wilkes Football Week Two Preview vs. The College of New Jersey

9/11/2026 10:00:00 AM

Wilkes Football Week Two Preview vs. The College of New Jersey

September 12, 2026
1:00 p.m.
Schmidt Stadium – Edwardsville, Pa.

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WILKES-BARRE – The Wilkes University football team returns to Schmidt Stadium for its home opener on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. to face the College of New Jersey (TCNJ).

The Colonels will look to complete their first game of the year after the Mayor's Cup against King's was declared a no contest due to inclement weather after one quarter on Sept. 3.

The Colonels led King's 7–0 when the contest was ultimately called. After graduating All-Landmark Honorable Mention Cooper King (Northampton, PA/Northampton), junior quarterback Trey Dogmanits (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) made the start, completing four of seven passes for 55 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown pass to junior Daniel Pigga (Dunmore, PA/Dunmore) on fourth down. Junior running back Chibugo Chigozie-Nwosu (Hillside, NJ/Hillside) controlled the Colonels' ground game, recording seven carries for 41 yards.

On defense, Wilkes forced and recovered a fumble in the Monarchs red zone on King's opening possession. On special teams, junior Peter Zarafonitis (Staten Island, NY/New Dorp) booted a 52-yard punt late in the quarter, and Pigga returned the opening kickoff for 32 yards.

TCNJ enters the matchup with an 0–1 record, falling 17–7 to fellow Landmark Conference member Lycoming College at home a week ago. The Lions will play all three of their non-conference games against Landmark opponents, concluding at Juniata on Sept. 26.

In its opener, TCNJ's offense was held in check, racking up 127 total yards. Freshman running back Sam Dech spearheaded the Lions offense in his first career game with 14 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown in the second quarter. Raymend Lao made his first start under center, completing six of 13 passes for 44 yards.

On defense, defensive back Robert D'Alessandro III led the Lions with 12 total tackles against Lycoming. The Lions picked off three Lycoming passes, two from linebacker Sean Gallagher and another by defensive back Brayden Kelly. Ethan Kalinauskas and John Russo both recorded a tackle for loss in the defeat.

On special teams, Jake Ware punted five times against Lycoming, totalling 202 yards, including a 68-yard punt.

The Colonels and Lions met for the first time a season ago in New Jersey, with TCNJ winning 17–3 in a defensive battle. TCNJ outgained Wilkes 273–12 on the ground, and forced three interceptions to secure the win.

Following this week, Wilkes will head to Allentown for a matchup with Muhlenberg College on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 12:00 p.m.

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