USF Runs Past Siena Heights for 32-10 Victory; Coach Donley Earns 350 Career Wins
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Siena Heights (0-4) | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
|
Saint Francis (Ind.) (2-1) | 7 | 22 | 3 | 0 | 32 |
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) football team improved to 2-1 on the season after defeating the Saints of Siena Heights University by a final score of 32-10 on Saturday, September 21. Saturday's victory marks Head Coach Donley's 350th career win.
The Cougars put seven points on the scoreboard thanks to a 13-yard run from Joshua Kulka with 6:00 left to play in the first quarter. The Saints responded with a field goal to cut the Cougars' lead to 7-3 at the end of the opening period. After Siena Heights took a 10-7 lead at the 6:36 mark in the second quarter, Saint Francis scored 22 unanswered points, including receiving touchdowns from Crosley MacEachen and McCall Ray, a successful rushing two-point conversion from Lenny Bennett, and a 44-yard interception return from Tamarris Springfield to put the Cougars up 29-10 at the half.
A successful field goal attempt from freshman Austin Deleon put the Cougars up 32-10 with 9:57 on the clock in the third quarter. The USF defense was solid in the second half, holding the Saints scoreless in the last 30 minutes of action to secure the 32-10 victory on the Cougars' home field.
Kulka completed 21 of 32 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Drew Wheat led the Cougars on the ground with four carries for 93 yards, while Bennett added 37 rushing yards on seven carries. O'Vauntay Vickers pulled in six catches for 54 yards on Saturday afternoon, followed by Ray with three receptions for 46 yards. Deleon went a perfect 3/3 on extra-point attempts and added a 30-yard field goal.
Defensively, Isaiah Higgins and Springfield both had interceptions returned for a combined 75 yards. Corey Norris and Aidan Ewers each had a fumble recovery on Saturday. Jaydin Evans finished the afternoon with six total tackles and forced one fumble. Marquise Cross tallied six tackles, two and a half sacks, and three tackles for a loss of 11 total yards. Chamaar Smith added a forced fumble and two tackles for a loss of 11 yards.
Up next, USF football (2-1) will host Madonna University during Homecoming weekend on Saturday, September 28. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Bishop John M. D'Arcy Stadium.
Cougar fans can stay updated on all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting saintfranciscougars.com.
