Image courtesy of the Mass Pirates

LOWELL: The Massachusetts Pirates lost a heartbreaker last week to Northern Arizona 41-40 on a last second interception. Fast forward to a week later and it was the Pirates who made a play late to win a game. 

Thanks to a game dealing interception by defensive back Cyrus Fagan, the Pirates prevailed 23-22 and improved 6-3 on the season. Massachusetts had pulled ahead late on a 24 yard field goal by Calu Sutherland. 

Pirates quarterback Alejandro Bennifield completed 12-of-20 passes for 92 yards and one interception. Running back Jimmie Robinson led the ground attack, gaining 58 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. 

The Pirates twice overcame deficits of 15-6 and 22-14 to pull out the much needed win. 

Bennifield opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, but Tulsa struck back (3-6) on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Andre Sale to Montero Dubose. A safety by Noah Lyles add to Tulsa’s lead making it 15-6. A four yard Robinson touchdown right before the half made it 15-14. 

Trailing in the fourth quarter, back up quarterback Quincy Patterson scored from one yard out to make it 22-20. After four defensive stops in the fourth quarter, the Pirates drove down late and set up Sutherland’s 24 yard go ahead field goal. 

The Pirates have a tough task next week as they head to Frisco to take on the rival Fighters. Kickoff is set for 8:05 pm.