The football team hosted Delaware State in its 2025 home-opener on Sept. 20, dropping a 39-10 decision to Delaware State.
SFU scored its first home touchdown of the season when quarterback Nick Whitfield connected with freshman Kameron Chisholm on a 1-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. It was Chisholm’s first collegiate touchdown.
The Red Flash are part of the McDonald’s Red Zone Challenge this season, so fans received a coupon for a free Big Mac through the restaurant’s app at participating McDonald’s stores in the area.
The Red Flash (0-4), however, surrendered 13 points in three of the game’s four quarters (first, second and fourth) and commit several costly turnovers in the loss to the Hornets (3-1).
Although they struggled to stop DSU, the Flash did take away some positives from the loss.
Graduate student receiver Brenden Hodge made six catches for 134 yards, including a 47-yard reception. Freshman receiver DJ Maultsby made his first two collegiate catches, including a 34-yard catch.
Whitfield finished the afternoon 25-of-35 for 265 yards, with one TD and two interceptions.
“We have shown some improvements, but we have to make big improvements,” said SFU head coach Chris Villarrial. “With a young team, it’s the little intricate details that can get you beat.
“There are things that we are learning from and getting better at.”
The game matched Villarrial – an 11-year NFL offensive lineman – against first-year Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson, a former star receiver in the NFL.
Prior to kickoff against the Hornets, the Red Flash men’s basketball and softball teams were presented their championship rings. Both teams won Northeast Conference titles in 2024-25.
It was “Champions Day” at SFU, with the University recognizing its 69 NEC champions in the school’s history during the game.
Senior kicker Mac Plummer was also honored in the pregame. Plummer received the 2025 Art and Carmella Martynuska Scholarship.
He booted a 25-yard field goal in the first half against the Hornets.
The Red Flash return to action on Sept. 27, traveling to Bucknell for a game against the Bison that kicks off at 6 p.m.
