Mercer University football's five-game winning streak is over. Mercer was bested 33-7 by Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York Saturday.

The Bears had the possibility to clinch a share of the Pioneer League title, after San Diego withdrew from contention over rules violations. The loss means those dreams are over.

But fans like student and “Mercer Maniacs” leader Andrew Eck remain optimistic about the success Mercer has had in its first season since 1942.

“Our football season has been like a never-ending sports movie,” Eck said. “It just keeps going on and on. And San Diego getting disqualified kind of continued that, and it actually gave us a chance for that, but it was almost too good to be true.”

Marist’s 22 seniors were too much for Mercer’s fledging program to handle. The Bears were second in the nation in avoiding turnovers before the game, but only scored on their first drive of the game then went on to uncharacteristically fumble and overturn the to hand Marist the ball six times.

Eck says the team simply had stiff competition.

“We couldn’t get, seemed like we couldn’t get momentum in the game, and the turnovers,” he said. “But I think overall Marist was a better team than us.”

The now 9-2 Mercer could close out the thrilling season with a homecoming win against 2-8 Stetson University this Saturday.

Tags: Pioneer League, Adam Ragusea, Mercer University football, Jane Hammond