Merrimack clinches first title in team history riding elite offense

Merrimack College captain Hunter Schmell strolled into the postgame press conference at Gillette Stadium holding the championship trophy in both arms, a huge smile on his face.

He had tied a piece of net to his hat, which read "NAT18NAL CHAMPIONS" on the front. All that was missing was a victory cigar.

After suffering heartbreak in the same venue a year ago, Schmell (Woodstock, Vt.) was going to enjoy every bit of this moment. Merrimack had just trounced Saint Leo (Fla.), 23-6, in the 2018 Division 2 championship game for the Warriors’ first national title in program history.