Final Recap From 41-40 Monmouth Win Over Towson

Monmouth struck first against Towson with a statement touchdown just over a minute into their showdown Saturday, but the Tigers responded a few minutes later.

However, Towson kicker Zaydaan Faridi missed the extra point, which offered a bit of foreshadowing for the emotional contest.

Towson led 20-17 at halftime, and the game was knotted at 27 after three quarters.

The momentum-shifting moment came early in the final period, when freshman defensive back Amori McNeil intercepted an Andrew Indorf pass and returned it 71 yards to give Monmouth the lead and inject the energy back into the MU sideline.

The teams exchanged scores through the fourth quarter, but it was penalties that played the biggest role in the final minutes.

Two roughing-the-passer penalties helped Towson march down the field, and the drive ended with a Hail Mary pass from Indorf that was deflected and secured by redshirt sophomore wide receiver Cleveland Charlton. 

Unfortunately, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Towson after the score pushed the extra-point attempt back 15 yards and took the 2-point conversion out of play.

Faridi missed the 36-yard kick and left the Tigers trailing with just over a minute remaining in the game. 

An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty from the Tigers on the ensuing Monmouth drive gave the Hawks the first down they needed to be able to run out the clock and secure the win. 

Monmouth had 416 yards of total offense in the win, including an 18-for-27, 218-yard, three-touchdown passing performance from redshirt sophomore quarterback Frankie Weaver.

The MU defense helped make sure the Hawks didn’t pay the price for their 12 penalties and 120 penalty yards. Monmouth had the pick-six, four sacks and five tackles for a loss. 

Monmouth did allow 375 total yards, but kept the Towson running game to just 96 yards. 

Through the air, Indorf was 21 for 35 for 279 yards and four touchdown passes, with redshirt sophomore wide receiver Aaron Enterline catching six passes for 154 yards and a score.

Both teams were strong under pressure, with each going 2 for 2 on fourth-down attempts and both turning in perfect efforts in the red zone – 6 for 6 for Towson and 5 for 5 for Monmouth. 

Towson entered the game at Kevin Callahan Field at Kessler Stadium with a perfect record against the Hawks in New Jersey (6-0) and a 9-3 advantage in their all-time series, though the Tigers had not yet found the win column in 2026.

Monmouth, on the other hand, needed a win this week to stay perfect in conference play and sit atop the CAA standings at 3-0, since Campbell, the other 2-0 program, has a nonconference game this week.

Up next for Towson is an Oct. 10 visit from Stony Brook, while Monmouth heads into a bye week, before traveling to face New Hampshire on Oct. 17.

Towson Stat Leaders

• Andre Indorf, QB: 21 for 35 passing, 279 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT
• Kemarrion Battles, RB: 17 carries, 58 yards, 3.4 yards per carry, 1 TD
• Aaron Enterline, WR: 6 receptions, 154 yards, long of 45, 1 TD

Monmouth Stat Leaders

• Frankie Weaver, QB: 18 for 27 passing, 218 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
• Elijah Jennings, RB: 16 carries, 92 yards, 5.8 yards per carry, long of 17
• Gavin Nelson, WR: 8 receptions, 100 yards, long of 41, 2 TDs

Final Stats From Monmouth's 41-40 Win Over Towson Football

Monmouth Holds On To Defeat Towson 41-40

For the first time in history, Monmouth has defeated Townson in New Jersey.

The Hawks improve to 4-2 overall and 3-0 in CAA play. Towson now is 0-6 and 0-2, respectively. 

Monmouth 41, Towson 40

Towson Has A Little Magic Left In Final Minutes, Tigers Score On Hail Mary, Miss PAT

Here's the sequence:

Two penalties on a single play by the Monmouth defense results in an injured player and a 15-yard penalty on the Hawks.

Towson has a first-and-10 opportunity at the Monmouth 38-yard line, and the play choice is a reverse for another first down. 

Another roughing the passer penalty gifts Towson another 15 yards and another first down at the Monmouth 13-yard line.

Indorf gets the Tigers inside the 10-yard with two minutes to play. It's third and 5. Incomplete pass.

On fourth and 5, Indorf throws a Hail Mary to the end zone that is deflected and caught by Charlton.

An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after the play pushes the extra-point attempt back 15 yards, which takes going for the 2-point conversion out of play.

The extra point attempt becomes a 36-yard try.

Faridi misses the kick.

Monmouth 41, Towson 40

Monmouth Converts On Fourth Down, Goes Deep For Lead-Taking Touchdown

Monmouth is able to convert on fourth and 1 and keep the drive going.

The chains move, and a new set of downs starts at the Monmouth 37-yard line.

Weaver then takes to the air finds Nelson for a 41-yard touchdown strike and the lead.

Sholder's extra point attempt is good.

Monmouth 41, Towson 34

It's Nelson again:

GAVIN NELSON AGAIN!

Hawks back in front!#FlyHawks || @CAAFootball pic.twitter.com/isl8OraHcp

— Monmouth Football (@MUHawksFB) October 3, 2026

Towson Gambles On Fourth Down, Risk Pays Off For Tigers

On fourth and 5, Indorf throws an incomplete pass, but pass interference gives Towson a first down at the 2-yard line.

Two plays later, Pugh runs straight up the middle and into the end zone for a 1-yard score, his second touchdown of the game.

Faridi kicks the extra point and ties the game at 34.

Towson 34, Monmouth 34

Here's Pugh punching it in:

TOUCHDOWN TOWSON! Xavier Pugh with his second touchdown of the game and this game is tied 34-34 with 9:55 left in the fourth.#GohTigers | #ARETE pic.twitter.com/mOC8T9jIY6

— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 3, 2026

Monmouth Defense Responds With Touchdown, Hawks Lead 34-27

Double coverage across the middle and swarming around the pass-catcher results in a pick-six for Monmouth. 

Freshman defensive back Amori McNeil intercepts an Indorf pass and returns it 71 yards to give Monmouth the lead and inject the energy back into Hawks sideline and the homecoming crowd.

Sholder adds the PAT.

Monmouth 34, Towson 27

Take a look at the fast freshman now:

AMORI MCNEIL 71-YARD PICK SIX!!!

The freshman gives MU the LEAD!

4Q - Hawks 34, Tigers 27#FlyHawks || @CAAFootball pic.twitter.com/m0ipGzepTV

— Monmouth Football (@MUHawksFB) October 3, 2026

Monmouth Ties Contest With Third-Quarter Field Goal, 27-All

A quick 11-play drive started by a Townson punt ends in a Monmouth field goal.

Sholder connects from 36 yards to go along with a 40-yarder in the first half.

Towson 27, Monmouth 27

Sholder is 2 for 2 on the day:

Up. Good. Tied!@SkylerSholder is 2-for-2 today 👏

3Q - Hawks 27, Tigers 27#FlyHawks || @CAAFootball pic.twitter.com/vHSIzsjJYx

— Monmouth Football (@MUHawksFB) October 3, 2026

Monmouth Responds With Third-Quarter Touchdown

Monmouth marches 79 yards on 13 plays to bring this one back to a one-possession barnburner.

Weaver hits redshirt senior wide receiver Gavin Nelson for a 13-yard score, and Sholder adds the point after to cut the deficit to 27-24.

Towson 27, Monmouth 24

Here's a look at the touchdown for Nelson:

NelsIN THE ENDZONE!#FlyHawks || @CAAFootball pic.twitter.com/YzT6XOxLGD

— Monmouth Football (@MUHawksFB) October 3, 2026

Towson Wastes Little Time Adding To Lead Over Monmouth, Tigers Ahead 27-17

On third down from the 7-yard line, redshirt sophomore receiver Cleveland Charlton flies high and makes a one-handed grab to extend the Townson lead over Monmouth.

The pass came from Indorf, who is 15 for 22 for 188 yards and three touchdowns.

Faridi added the extra point.

Towson 27, Monmouth 17

DO NOT skip this replay. WOW! What a catch by Charlton: 

REACH FOR THE STARS! Cleveland Charlton with a tremendous one-handed catch for the touchdown! 27-17 Towson......#GohTigers | #ARETE | #SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/3fpsE2TWmG

— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 3, 2026

Second Half Underway In Homecoming Matchup Between Towson And Monmouth

Monmouth kicks off to Townson.

The Tigers, in search of their first win in 2026, lead 20-17.

First-Half Stats From Towson vs. Monmouth Football

First Half Ends In Towson-Monmouth Showdown In The Garden State

Visiting Towson owns a 9-3 record in this series all-time and leads this one at halftime, 20-17.

Towson 20, Monmouth 17

Towson Defense Joins In The Fun In New Jersey, Tigers Intercept Weaver Pass

Moments after taking the lead, the Towson defense steps up with an interception.

There's a penalty on the play, but the Tigers still get one more opportunity before the half ends.

Towson 20, Monmouth 17

Here's a peek at the INT: 

INTERCEPTION! Myles Johnson with the pick and Towson back on offense......#GohTigers | #ARETE pic.twitter.com/Ppr3lZxHPH

— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 3, 2026

Tigers Stay Aggressive Against Monmouth, Towson Leads 20-17

Towson converts on fourth and 15 to get new life inside the Monmouth 10-yard line, and the Tigers are able to capitalize.

Sophomore running back Kemmarion Battles scampers in from 8 yards out on second and goal.

Faridi adds the extra point.

Towson 20, Monmouth 17

Check out the Battles score now:

TOUCHDOWN TOWSON! Kemarrion Battles barrels up the middle for the score, 20-17 Towson, 1:24 in 2nd.#GohTigers | #ARETE pic.twitter.com/V8MfHT7QB9

— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 3, 2026

Monmouth Back On Top In Back-And-Forth Battle, Hawks Lead 17-13

The Monmouth offensive line is shining and helps the Hawks fly down the field for another score.

The home team goes 75 yards on nine place and regains the lead, 17-13.

This time, it's a 6-yard toss from redshirt sophomore quarterback Frankie Weaver to graduate tight end Greg Genross.

Sholder adds the extra point.

Monmouth 17, Towson 13

Watch Genross' first touchdown as a Hawk:

HIGH T‼️@GGenross is in the endzone for the first time as a Hawk!

2Q - Hawks 17, Tigers 13#FlyHawks || @CAAFootball pic.twitter.com/s0K6QFPpWc

— Monmouth Football (@MUHawksFB) October 3, 2026

Towson Strikes Back, Takes First Lead At 13-10

Indorf makes a short pass to uncovered redshirt junior running back Xavier Pugh, who walks into the end zone untouched to give the Tigers their first lead of the day.

Faridi adds the extra point.

It's an 11-play, 65-yard drive.

Towson 13, Monmouth 10

Here's the latest score:

TOUCHDOWN TOWSON! Dropoff pass to Xavier Pugh for the six-yard score and Towson leads 13-10, 11:20 in the 2nd.#GohTigers | #ARETE pic.twitter.com/hIOKzO4h1O

— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 3, 2026

First Quarter Ends In New Jersey, Monmouth Leads 10-6

After 15 minutes of play, Monmouth leads visiting Towson 10-6.

Towson is driving early in the second quarter.

Monmouth 10, Towson 6

Penalty Forces Monmouth Drive To End With Field Goal, Hawks Lead 10-6

After a pass interference call and a penalty, while inside the red zone, Monmouth is forced to attempt a 41-yard field goal on fourth and 16.

The kick from Sholder is good, giving the Hawks a 10-6 advantage with less than two minutes left in the opening quarter.

The drive is 12 plays for 52 yards and takes over five minutes. 

Monmouth 10, Towson 6

Towson Answers Against Monmouth, Hawks Still Lead 7-6

After punting on their first drive, the Towson Tigers forced the hosts to do the same and then came through with an answer to the quick opening score.

Sophomore quarterback Andrew Indorf connects with redshirt sophomore Aaron Enterline from 9 yards out, but Zaydaan Faridi misses the extra point. 

It's the eighth TD of the year for Enterline, who transferred from Penn State.

Monmouth 7, Towson 6

Watch the Enterline score:

TOUCHDOWN TOWSON! Aaron Enterline with his eighth receiving TD of the season! 7-6 Monmouth, 6:34 in the 1st. #GohTigers | #ARETE pic.twitter.com/dMy9o2PcmQ

— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 3, 2026

Monmouth Scores First Against Townson, Hawks Lead 7-0 After One Minute

Monmouth needs four plays and just over a minute to get on the board against Towson.

Redshirt freshman Kenny Smith Jr. walks into the end zone from 4 yards out to log the first score of the game.

He rushed three times on the drive for 22 yards and the touchdown.

Redshirt sophomore kicker Sky Sholder adds the extra point. 

Monmouth 7, Towson 0

A perfect opening drive ends with the first score of the day:

We want to show you just how fast the Hawks offense moves.

A picture perfect first drive of the day for Weaver & Co.#FlyHawks || @CAAFootball || @SickosCommittee pic.twitter.com/F0GulFKnwl

— Monmouth Football (@MUHawksFB) October 3, 2026

Towson Wins Coin Toss, Defers

Towson wins the coin toss and defers to the second half. The Tigers will kick off to Monmouth and get things going in New Jersey.

Monmouth's Anthony Brown Jr. returns the kick 40 yards, and the Hawks will start on their own 40.

Towson Starting Lineup To Face Monmouth Football 

See who will be on the field Saturday for the Tigers:

Today's starters at Monmouth.......#GohTigers | #ARETE pic.twitter.com/ZKOgNC9XXa

— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 3, 2026

AFCA FCS Rankings After Week 4 Of 2026

As of Sept. 26

1. Montana St. (5-0) – 625 – Prev. 1
2. South Dakota St. (4-1) – 590 – Prev. 2
3. Tarleton St. (4-0) – 568 – Prev. 3
4. Montana (4-1) – 550 – Prev. 4
5. Stephen F. Austin (5-0) – 521 – Prev. 6
6. Lehigh (5-0) – 484 – Prev. 7
7. North Dakota (4-1) – 467 – Prev. 8
8. Tennessee Tech (4-0) – 429 – Prev. 10
9. Austin Peay (4-1) – 420 – Prev. 11
10. Youngstown St. (3-2) – 386 – Prev. 13
11. Illinois St. (4-1) – 370 – Prev. 4t
12. South Carolina St. (5-0) – 329 – Prev. 14
13. Lamar (3-1) – 322 – Prev. 15
14. Idaho St. (4-0) – 311 – Prev. 16
15. UC Davis (3-2) – 236 – Prev. 9
16. South Dakota (3-2) – 223 – Prev. 12
17. Richmond (4-1) – 196 – Prev. 19
18. West Florida (3-1) – 193 – Prev. 20
19. Northern Arizona (3-2) – 175 – Prev. 17
20. Colgate (4-1) – 155 – Prev. 23t
21. Mercer (3-2) – 117 – Prev. 23t
22. Harvard (2-0) – 82 – Prev. 25
23. Jackson St. (4-0) – 72 – Prev. NR
24. Campbell (4-1) – 71 – Prev. NR
25. Southern Illinois (3-2) – 57 – Prev. NR

Dropped Out: Yale (18), Rhode Island (21), Villanova (22)

Others Receiving Votes: Elon, 55; Yale, 22; Alabama St., 19; Prairie View A&M, 17; Southeastern Louisiana, 14; UT Rio Grande Valley, 7; Furman, 6; Monmouth (N.J.), 6; Chattanooga, 5; Stony Brook, 5; Cal Poly, 4; Dartmouth, 4; St. Thomas (Minn.), 4; Delaware St., 3; Villanova, 2; Bryant, 1; Northern Iowa, 1; UIW, 1.

Predicted Order Of Finish For CAA Teams In 2026

1. Rhode Island (12 first-place votes), 144
2. Monmouth, 119
3. Elon, 115
4. New Hampshire, 106
5. Stony Brook (1 first-place vote), 105
6. Towson, 93
7. Maine, 88
8. Campbell, 56
9. Bryant, 50
10. Sacred Heart, 49
11. UAlbany, 35
12. North Carolina A&T, 28
13. Hampton, 26

*Villanova and William & Mary left the CAA for the Patriot League, and Sacred Heart joins the CAA for the 2026 season.

2026 Towson Football Schedule

• Aug. 27 (Thu): Maine def. Towson, 21-18 (L)*
• Sept. 5 (Sat): Navy def. Towson, 42-15 (L)
• Sept. 12 (Sat): South Carolina def. Towson, 45-9 (L)
• Sept. 19 (Sat): Morgan State def. Towson, 41-26 (L)
• Sept. 26 (Sat): Delaware State def. Towson, 33-28 (L)
• Oct. 3 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Monmouth*
• Oct. 10 (Sat): 4 p.m. vs. Stony Brook*
• Oct. 17 (Sat): 3:30 p.m. at Campbell*
• Oct. 31 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs. Hampton*
• Nov. 7 (Sat): Noon at Sacred Heart*
• Nov. 14 (Sat): Noon at Rhode Island*
• Nov. 21 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs. Elon*

*CAA games

2026 Monmouth Football Schedule

• Aug. 29 (Sat): Tennessee Tech def. Monmouth, 38-14 (L)
• Sept. 5 (Sat): Monmouth def. Sacred Heart, 31-24 (W)*
• Sept. 12 (Sat): Western Michigan def. Monmouth, 49-14 (L)
• Sept. 19 (Sat): Monmouth def. UAlbany, 28-20 (W)*
• Sept. 26 (Sat): Monmouth def. Dartmouth, 31-28 (W)
• Oct. 3 (Sat): 1 p.m. vs. Towson*
• Oct. 17 (Sat): 1 p.m. at New Hampshire*
• Oct. 24 (Sat): 2 p.m. at Hampton*
• Oct. 31 (Sat): Noon vs. Bryant*
• Nov. 7 (Sat): Noon vs. North Carolina A&T*
• Nov. 14 (Sat): Noon vs. Merrimack
• Nov. 21 (Sat): 1 p.m. at Campbell*

*CAA games

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