TIGERS FALTER ON THE ROAD IN 22-30 LOSS AT SAINT FRANCIS

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Olivet Nazarene University fell to the University of Saint Francis 30-22 despite a strong passing game that produced 460 yards.

Olivet took the opening kickoff and quickly had a three and out. The two teams traded punts, before the Tigers took over for their second possession. Christian Dhue-Reid connected with Aaron Bennett for an 11-yard gain, followed by a 20-yard completion to Rusten Abang-Perez, advancing them to their own 42-yard line. Another Dhue-Reid completion, this time to Japheth Lilo for 24 yards, placed Olivet at the Saint Francis 30 yard line. Two plays later, a Dhue Reid interception ended the drive. Saint Francis began their next possession deep in their own territory at the 4-yard line following the interception by Nick Nondorf. Although the Cougars maintained a nine play drive, they were forced to punt after a sack and QB hurry by Joe Fugle on consecutive plays. After a Cougar punt, the Tigers took over at their own 22-yard line. On first down, Blake Lamb broke free down the right sideline after receiving a short pass from Dhue-Reid and scampered into the endzone for a 78-yard touchdown. A Josiah Johnson extra point put the Tigers ahead 7-0. The first quarter concluded in the middle of a Saint Francis drive, with Olivet still lead 7-0.

The second quarter picked up in the middle of a Saint Francis possession, and on the first play of the quarter, Joshua Kulka connected with Chris Mullen for a 17-yard touchdown. The Tigers responded with a long drive of their own, culminating in a 32-yard field goal by Josiah Johnson, giving the Tigers a 10-7 advantage. Saint Francis regained momentum when Austin Deleon converted a 32-yard field goal, followed by another touchdown on a 7-yard pass from Kulka to Crosley MacEach. Olivet struggled to move the ball late in the second quarter, and a turnover on downs shifted the ball back to Saint Francis with 45 seconds remaining in the half. The Tigers escaped to halftime down 17-10 after Saint Francis' field goal attempt missed wide right to end the half.

The third quarter began with Olivet's defense holding firm, forcing Saint Francis into a three-and-out on their first possession. Bennett then spearheaded the ensuing drive with an 11-yard rush, setting up a series of completions by Dhue-Reid to Lamb. A penalty on Saint Francis helped advance the ball into the red zone, but the drive stalled, and a missed field goal left the score unchanged. On the following possession, Saint Francis was again contained by the Tigers' defensive efforts, highlighted by a tackle for loss by John Harman. Olivet's next series featured consistent gains, including a 13-yard pass to Trey Reeves. However, a turnover on a fumble ended the drive prematurely. Saint Francis capitalized on the turnover, advancing into Olivet Nazarene territory as the quarter closed, still without any changes to the scoreboard.

The fourth quarter began with Saint Francis deep in Olivet territory and on the first play of the final frame, Azariah Wallace broke free for a 24-yard rushing touchdown. The cougars now led 24-10. The Tigers tried to respond and after a 50-yard completion from Jack Miller to Andy Vogelmann, an interception by Gregory Holmes ended the possession. The defensive stand by Saint Francis was short-lived though as Olivet forced a quick punt. Olivet took over at their own 21-yard line and orchestrated a 13-play drive that culminated in a Miller to Vogelmann 10-yard touchdown connection, trimming the deficit to 24-16 after a failed two point conversation attempt. Saint Francis had an answer though, and Wallace ran it in from 40 yards out for another Cougar touchdown. A blocked extra point attempt settled the score at 30-16 with 1:48 remaining in the game. The Tigers quickly drove down the field on their next possession after consecutive catches by Lilo for 22 and 26 yards gains. A few plays later, Bennett scored on a 2-yard rush to give the Tigers one last chance. Saint Francis recovered the ensuing onside kick however, and the game ended in a 30-22 loss for Olivet.

Dhue-Reid completed 16 of 28 passes for 267 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Miller threw for 193 yards on 10 for 20 passing, with one touchdown, and one interception. Lamb hauled in seven receptions for 160 yards and one touchdown. Lilo also broke the 100-yard mark, securing 5 catches for 101 yards. Bennett added a rushing touchdown while amassing 68 yards on 13 carries. On defense, Vaisen Viloria and Fugle each recorded nine tackles, leading the team's defensive efforts.

The Tigers drop to 5-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play. The Cougars improve to 7-2 overall and 2-1 in conference competition.

Next up for Olivet is St. Xavier (Ill.) on Saturday, Nov. 8 in Chicago, Ill. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m.

--ONU--