Lafayette rallies past Monmouth with late TDs in thrilling finish
- Dean DeNobile threw two touchdown passes in the final minute, leading Lafayette to a comeback win.
- Monmouth initially took the lead with a 17-yard run by Sone Ntoh, but Lafayette quickly responded.
- The victory marked Lafayette's first win of the season, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
In a thrilling college football matchup on Saturday, Lafayette overcame a late deficit to secure a 40-35 victory against Monmouth in West Long Branch, New Jersey. With just 1:54 left in the game, Monmouth took a 35-28 lead after Sone Ntoh scored on a 17-yard run. Lafayette quickly responded, with Dean DeNobile connecting on a 12-yard touchdown pass to Chris Carasia, but a failed two-point conversion left them trailing by one point. The Leopards executed a successful onside kick, allowing DeNobile to find Elijah Steward for a 42-yard touchdown pass with only 36 seconds remaining. This dramatic play turned the tide in favor of Lafayette, showcasing their resilience and determination in the final moments of the game. Monmouth attempted to rally back, reaching Lafayette's 35-yard line, but Gabe DuBois intercepted a pass, sealing the victory for the Leopards. DeNobile had an impressive performance, completing 31 of 45 passes for a career-high 394 yards and two touchdowns. Steward's remarkable game included 15 receptions for 244 yards, marking the second-most receiving yards in Lafayette's history. Jamar Curtis contributed significantly with three touchdowns and 87 rushing yards. On the other side, Monmouth's Derek Robertson threw for 355 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, while TJ Speight's 89-yard end-around play had initially given Monmouth a lead in the fourth quarter. The game featured a combined total of 955 yards of offense, highlighting the competitive nature of both teams.