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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Photo by: Gil Talbot
Vezza Throws Two Touchdowns in Spring Game
5/1/2025 11:08:00 PM | Football
DURHAM, N.H. – Rising sophomore quarterback Matt Vezza (Elmhurst, Ill.) threw for 194 yards and two touchdowns in the University of New Hampshire football team's annual Wild/'Cats Spring Scrimmage at Wildcat Stadium on Thursday night.
Vezza threw a 6-yard TD pass to rising junior tight end Drew Danson (Wrentham, Mass.) in the first quarter and a 32-yard touchdown to rising senior Caleb Burke (Johnstown, Pa.) in the second quarter.
Following halftime, the game resumed with the Red Zone Lockout, which is an overtime-structured period. The defense prevailed 18-4 by receiving four points for holding the offense to a made field goal and then seven points each of the next two possessions on missed field goals.
The defense finished the game with eight tackles for loss, including four sacks, as well as six pass breakups.
QUARTERBACKS
Vezza threw a 6-yard TD pass to rising junior tight end Drew Danson (Wrentham, Mass.) in the first quarter and a 32-yard touchdown to rising senior Caleb Burke (Johnstown, Pa.) in the second quarter.
Following halftime, the game resumed with the Red Zone Lockout, which is an overtime-structured period. The defense prevailed 18-4 by receiving four points for holding the offense to a made field goal and then seven points each of the next two possessions on missed field goals.
The defense finished the game with eight tackles for loss, including four sacks, as well as six pass breakups.
QUARTERBACKS
- Three quarterbacks combined to complete 20 of 44 passes for 278 yards.
- Vezza completed 13 of 25 passes for the 194 yards and two TD passes. He also had eight rushes for 32 yards, including a long of 25.
- Redshirt freshman Tommy McLeish (Norfolk, Mass.) completed 6 of 14 passes for 72 yards.
- Rising sophomore Matt Festa (Duxbury, Mass.) was 1-for-5 for 12 yards.
RUNNING BACKS
- Rising sophomore Denzell Gibson (Bellwood, Ill.) had 10 carries for 38 yards, both of which were team highs.
- Rising senior Myles Thomason (Montclair, N.J.) rushed for 20 yards on seven carries.
RECEIVERS
- Twelve Wildcats caught a pass and a total of 17 were targeted.
- Grad student Chase Wilson (Lake Charles, La.), who joined the program this semester from Weslyan, caught four passes for 60 yards – both team highs – with a long of 26.
- Burke finished with three catches for 54 yards, including the 32-yard scoring strike that he caught in stride at the 1-yard line down the left sideline.
- Rising junior Josh Fillion (Quebec City, Quebec) had three receptions for 33 yards.
- Rising sophomore Logan Perez (Sewell, N.J.) was the other 'Cat with multiple catches at two for 32 yards.
DEFENSE
- Defensive tackle Justice Akinmoladun (Grandview, Mo.), a grad student who transferred from Washburn University this semester, had a game-high five tackles, including two sacks.
- Grad student safety Duncan Moreland (Beverly, Mass.) was credited with four tackles and two pass breakups.
- Redshirt freshman linebacker Isaiah Jones (Springfield, Mass.) had four tackles, including 1.5 for loss.
- Redshirt freshman defensive end D.J. Johnson (Wilbraham, Mass.) and classmate Matthew Sopp (Beverly, Mass.) also had four tackles apiece.
CAPTAINS
- Rick Santos, who is completing his fourth year as UNH head coach (including one as interim), announced the five captains for the 2025 season.
- Moreland
- Rising senior defensive end Zach Garron (Bedford, N.H.)
- Rising senior offensive lineman Dylan Maciulewicz (Erie, Pa.)
- Rising junior tight end Colby Ramshaw (Londonderry, N.H.)
- Grad student safety Brendan Tighe (Lowell, Mass.)
TEAM AWARDS
- The 2024 team awards were announced pre-game.
- Todd Walker Teammate Award: RB Dominc Cavanagh
- Most Valuable Player, Offense: WR Logan Tomlinson
- Most Valuable Player, Defense: DE Josiah Silver
- Euguene Auerbach Student-Athlete Award: LB Ryan Toscano
- Bo Dickson Spirit Award: DT Neil Politano
- Jack French Unsung Hero: WR Joey Corcoran
- Buck Buchanan Distinguished Service Award: S Zedane Williams
- Bob Demers 12th Player Award: CB Gavin Urda
- Bill Bowes & Sean McDonnell Coaches Award: OL Mason Davis
2025 SEASON
- New Hampshire kicks off the 2025 season Aug. 30 at North Carolina Central.
- UNH's home opener is Saturday, Sept. 6 (6 p.m.) against Holy Cross.
- Homecoming is Oct. 4 (1 p.m.) against Villanova.
- Family Weekend is Oct. 25 (1 p.m.) against William & Mary.
- CLICK HERE to buy season tickets or call (603) 862-4000 or e-mail unh.tickets@unh.edu. Plans start as low as $110.
- CLICK HERE to purchase group tickets or call (603) 862-4000.
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