The football team came up just short in its Homecoming Game last weekend, falling 17-14 to Saint Vincent in a competitive match-up.
Despite the loss, SFU gave fans something they had been waiting to see: a team capable of competing in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
The Red Wolves started the game strong, driving down the field on their opening possession before being stopped in the red zone.
However, the SFU defense got the ball right back, forcing its first takeaway of the season when Bearcats’ running back Matt Davis fumbled. SFU linebacker Dawson Gailliot recovered at the SVC 5-yard line.
Three plays later, Wolves’ freshman running back Jonathan Delia scored his first collegiate touchdown on 2-yard run and SFU led 7-0.
Head coach Chris Villarrial’s team led 7-0 at the half before Saint Vincent established some offensive rhythm in the third quarter. The Bearcats scored 17 unanswered points in the second half to assume control of the game.
A third quarter SVC field goal cut SFU’s lead to 7-3 before Bearcats quarterback Jake Phillips scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, SVC extended its lead to 17-7 when wide receiver Tristan Doy broke free for a 75-yard catch-and-run score.
However, the Red Wolves refused to go down without a fight.
After Doy’s TD, SFU mounted an 8-play, 65-yard drive capped off by a rushing touchdown from senior quarterback Cam Wagner. The TD cut the deficit to 17-14.
The Red Wolves attempted an onside kick in hopes of getting one final possession in the closing seconds, but the Bearcats recovered to secure the victory.
Saint Francis outgained the Bearcats in total offense, 334-292, and held significant advantages in first downs and time of possession. SFU missed two field goals in the game.
Senior running back Elijah Villarrial became the first SFU player to rush for more than 100 yards in a game this season. Villarrial finished the afternoon with 109 yards on 22 carries.
Sophomore quarterback Ashton Walk played the entire game under center. He finished the afternoon 10-of-19 for 148 yards, with one interception. His favorite target was fifth-year tight end Scott Raymond, who made six catches for 102 yards.
SFU’s young offensive line provided time for Walk to make his reads throughout the game. The QB was not sacked on the afternoon.
Defensively, Kam Chisolm led the way with five tackles, three tackles for loss and a pass break-up.
SFU travels to Westminster this Saturday for a match-up that kicks off at 1 p.m. The game will be streamed on the PAC Digital Network.
