“The 2016 team that won it went through a year like this. You’ve got to stick together. These lumps will make champions out of them.”
That was the message from head football coach Chris Villarrial after the Red Wolves suffered a 36-6 season-opening loss to Grove City on Sept. 26. It marked the first Division III game for the program.
The 2016 Northeast Conference champion Red Flash football team was in attendance last Saturday to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its league title. Their presence served as a reminder of the program’s past and what this new era of Saint Francis football is working toward.
For much of the game, Grove City controlled the action. The Wolverines jumped out to a 24-0 halftime lead and never allowed the Red Wolves to establish much momentum offensively.
SFU quarterback Ashton Walk finished 9-of-18 for 82 yards passing. The transfer from Clarion played most of the game under center, with freshman Lance Jones also seeing some action at QB.
Saint Francis produced 117 yards on the ground, but turnovers made it difficult for the offense to sustain drives. The Red Wolves lost two fumbles, both forced by Grove City linebacker Andrew Moberg. Jones also threw an interception.
SFU’s points came late in the game when Walk fired a 19-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Cole DeLattre. The rookie wideout from Hollidaysburg made two catches in the game. Kameron Chisolm and Elijah Villarrial led the Red Wolves in receptions with three each.
Wolves’ senior linebacker Kent McMahon posted a game-high 10 tackles.
“We will be back,” said Villarrial. “We will build this thing.”
The Red Wolves (0-1) return to action this Saturday when they travel to Hiram College for a 6 p.m. kickoff. The game will be streamed on the PAC Digital Network.
