The Misericordia University football team's second-half rally fell short in a hard-fought 31-21 defeat at Endicott in the season opener.

Down 24-0 early in the third quarter, the Cougars rallied to score three touchdowns over the final 26 minutes.

Jacob Hunter ran for 123 yards, including a touchdown, and threw for another score. 

Jacob Hoy had two catches for 61 yards, including a score, and Angelo Fluri added a rushing touchdown.

Gavin Morris and Nathan Malarkey had 12 tackles each to lead the defense and Ethan Kryman had eight stops.

Endicott went 65 yards on just plays to open the second half and take a 24-0 lead just over a minute into the third quarter.

The Cougars answered with a lengthy scoring drive on their next possession.  After a pass interference penalty moved the ball to midfield, Davon Reams went up the middle for 13 yards and a first down at the Endicott 36 yard line.

Hunter connected with Hoy down the left sideline for a 33-yard touchdown and added a reception on the two-point attempt to get the Cougars within 24-8 with 11:53 to go in the third quarter.

Both teams went on lengthy drives on their next possession but turned the ball over on downs.

The Cougars forced a punt and took over at their own 48 with 10:40 to play.

Hunter found Hoy down the sideline for 28 yards on first down at the Endicott 24.

Another pass interference penalty moved the ball to the Endicott 14 and Fluri eventually plunged in from the one yard line with 6:54 to go. The two-point try failed the MU trailed 24-14.

Endicott responded with a 45-yard scoring drive to take 31-14 lead with 6:54 to go.

Facing fourth-and-11 deep in their own end, Hunter broke free up the middle for a 73-yard touchdown.  Connor McLaughlin's PAT made it 31-21 with 1:01 left.

The Cougars will host Albright in their home and MAC opener, Saturday.