Nov. 21, 2009

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KINGSTON, R.I. - Senior wide receiver Shawn Leonard tied a career-high with three touchdown receptions, but the Rhode Island football team (1-10; 0-8 CAA) came up short as it dropped a 33-27 decision at home against Northeastern.

Leonard led the way offensively for the Rams as he finished the game with five catches for 163 yards. Leonard's three touchdowns came from 28, 55 and 31 yards out, respectively.

Quarterback Chris Paul-Etienne completed 8-of-16 passes for 191 yards through the air. On the ground, Rhody finished with 147 yards rushing. Sophomore running back Ryan Lawrence led the Rams' rushing attack with a career-high 67 yards.

Defensively, junior linebacker Matt Hansen led the way as he registered 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Senior Steve Weedon and junior Rob Damon also finished with 10 tackles apiece.

Northeastern held a 10-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, but Rhody got on the board in the second quarter as Paul-Etienne found Leonard in the back corner of the endzone from 28 yards out, which capped a five play, 52-yard drive and made the score 10-7 with 10:24 remaining in the first half.

Northeastern marched down the field on its next offensive series to take a 17-7 lead with 5:17 left in the first half.

Rhody responded on the following offensive series as it moved the ball to the Northeastern eight yard line after starting the drive on its own 30. Paul-Etienne hit Leonard for a 27-yard pass play, which set up the first and goal situation, but URI was unable to come away with any points and trailed 17-7 heading into halftime.

In the second half, NU took a 20-7 lead thanks to a 42-yard field goal by Mat Johnson.

Rhody fought back and cut the lead to 20-14 after junior running back Anthony Ferrer plunged in from two yards out. The scoring drive was set up after NU wide receiver Tony Lott fumbled a punt, which gave Rhody a first and 10 situation inside the five-yard line.

Following another 42-yard field goal by Johnson, URI went 70 yards in two plays, capped by a 55-yard touchdown reception by Leonard, which cut Northeastern's lead to 23-20.

On the ensuing kickoff, Northeastern returned the ball 76 yards to the URI 14 yard line. Two plays later the Huskies found the endzone and had 30-20 heading into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, URI outscored 7-3, but it was not enough as the Rams fell for the 10th-consecutive week. Rhode Island limited Northeastern to just 133 yards passing and forced the Huskies into a pair of turnovers.

Prior to the game, the team honored 21 seniors, who played in their final game at Meade Stadium.