Notables
-Edwards' 442 passing yards second-most in a game in program history
-First time ever CSS has two receivers record at least 10 receptions in a game
-Lee sets single-season program record for receptions
-Olson's UMAC TD streak snapped at 21 games
MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa (
csssaints.com) – Junior running back
Teddy Gildersleeve (Osceola, Wis./Osceola HS) found the end zone three times and
Zach Edwards (St. Paul, Minn./Henry Sibley HS) threw for a career-high 442 yards as the St. Scholastica football team defeated Iowa Wesleyan University 44-20 Saturday in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) action.
How it Happened
The Saints got on the board on their fourth possession of the game when Edwards connected with Gildersleeve for a 30-yard score on third down to make it 7-0. The Tigers would fumble on the first play of the ensuing possession to give the ball right back to CSS. After the Saints converted a fourth down, Gildersleeve rushed it in from seven yards out to make it 14-0 with 2:20 left in the opening quarter.
It remained 14-0 until just over five minutes remaining in the second quarter, when after a CSS fumble, the Tigers (1-7, 1-5 UMAC) connected on a 16-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-7.
St. Scholastica responded on its next possession when Edwards found Gildersleeve for a six-yard TD pass to extend the margin back to 14 at 21-7.
A key sequence of the game took place in the final minute of the first half. The Tigers would be stopped on downs with 54 seconds left at the St. Scholastica 33-yard-line. The Saints then got pass plays of 22 yards to
Aaron Olson (Esko, Minn./Esko HS) and 21 yards to
Mitchell Adrian (Altoona, Wis./Altoona HS) putting the ball at the Iowa Wesleyan 30. The Saints would be intercepted on the next play, but the play would be wiped out due to penalty. With no time remaining in the half, Edwards would hook up with
Eddie Lee (Maple Grove, Minn./Maple Grove HS) for 20-yard touchdown to make the halftime score 27-7.
On the opening possession of the second half, the Saints would get a pick-6 from
Micadin Kahl (Boyceville, Wis./Boyceville HS), who returned it 60 yards to make it 34-7. After a Tiger touchdown, Edwards snuck it in the end zone with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter to make it 41-13.
Donovan Blatz (Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View HS) connected on a 33-yard field goal for the final scoring of the game to make the final 44-20.
Key Stats
Passing Yards: CSS-442, IWU-340
Third Down Conversions: CSS- 8 of 17, IWU-2 of 14
Penalties: CSS-6 for 56, IWU-12 for 81
Top Performers for the Saints
Edwards was 33-of-59 for 442 yards and three touchdowns. Adrian and Lee each had 10 receptions for 137 yards with Lee recording a TD reception. Lee now holds the single-season program record for receptions as he has 55 up to this point. Gildersleeve had four catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 56 yards and another score.
Jordan Kittelson (Avon, Minn./Albany HS) led the defense with 11 tackles.
Trevor Schwartz (Rogers, Minn./Rogers HS) recorded 2.5 tackles for a loss, including a sack.
Will Halloran (New Prague, Minn./New Prague HS) had three pass breakups on the day.
Top Performers for the Opponent
DeMarcus Collins was 17-of-32 for 242 yards and one touchdown. Charles Robinson had five receptions for 55 yards. Stafford Lewis ran for 107 yards and two touchdowns.
Craig Wrenn led the defense with seven tackles, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Up Next
The Saints (5-3, 5-1 UMAC) will have their home finale next Saturday when they welcome the University of Minnesota Morris to Public Schools Stadium for Senior Day. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
