NORTH ANDOVER, MASS -- The Mayville State University Comets took to the road this weekend, taking on a very tough NCAA football team in the Merrimack College Warriors on Saturday at Duane Stadium in North Andover, Mass. The Comets scored late, but it was their only score in a 76-7 route of the Comets, in the final tuneup for Mayville State before conference play opens next Saturday, on the road.

"Merrimack College is an impressive up-and-coming FCS program," Comets head coach Jeff Larson said. "They played with speed and did a good job executing in all phases of the game."

Merrimack opened up a 40-0 lead, midway through the second quarter, before the Comets were able to get on the board.

With just over five minutes left in the half, Mayville State got the ball and was able to move it down the field in 13 plays, spanning more than 80 yards. Creighton Pfau found Reese Hanson for a seven-yard strike, pulling the Comets to within 33 points, late in the half.

Merrimack was able to put up 30 more points in the second half.

Pfau finished 18-of-36 passing for 145 yards and one touchdown, while backup quarterback Hanson saw an 0-for-1 day passing with one interception.

Keon Suber led the Comets rushing attack with eight rushes for 21 yards, while Gino Musick had eight rushes as well, for 19 yards.

Jacquante Pitts was the leading receiver, with five receptions for 46 yards, while Josh Portillo had three receptions for 28 yards, followed by Deandre Ford with one reception for 27 yards.

Merrimack dominated Mayville State in total offense, with the Comets picking up 157 yards of total offense, compared to Merrimack's 571 yards.

The bright spot statistically for the Comets came in the time of possession category--Mayville State held the ball for 35 minutes, while Merrimack had the ball for 25 minutes.

With the loss, Mayville State drops to 1-2. Mayville State will now open the conference schedule, on the road, next Saturday at Presentation College in Aberdeen, S.D.

"We are excited to move on and get ready for Presentation College and NSAA play," Larson said.