Duluth, Minn. – The Saint Scholastica football team hosted their first regular-season game today, September 20. Today's MIAC Conference match up pitted the Saints against the visiting Auggies of Augsburg University. The Saints' first home competition did not end as expected, with the Auggies taking the lead with a strong drive in the fourth quarter and maintaining their lead until the end, with a final score of 30-23.
How it happened
First Quarter
The Saints opened by trading defensive stops with Augsburg, as the Saints' defense held firm against early pressure. On offense, quarterback Donald West (St. Paul, MN/Woodbury HS) directed the unit with composure, connecting with receivers Andrew Burgess II (Tampa, FL/Cypress Creek HS) and Curtis Favors (St. Paul, MN/Tartan HS) to pick up first downs and establish momentum.
Second Quarter
Early in the second, Augsburg broke through with a score, but the Saints answered by grinding out a drive with balanced play-calling. Running back Jevon Williams (Willmar, MN/Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City (ACGC)) consistently picked up yards on the ground, helping Scholastica move the chains. Defensively, Ian Strusz (Albertville, MN/St. Michael-Albertville HS) and Austin Mundt (Deer River, MN/Deer River HS) came up with key tackles, slowing Augsburg's ground game and forcing punts.
Third Quarter
Coming out of halftime, the Saints continued to push offensively. West and Burgess connected for chunk gains through the air, while Williams powered through the Augsburg front line with several bruising carries. The defense, led by Mundt and Juan Lomas (Willmar, MN/Willmar HS), held Augsburg to short gains and kept the Saints within striking distance.
Fourth Quarter
Though Augsburg extended its lead late, the Saints continued to battle. Williams broke free for his longest run of the night in the fourth quarter, and West hit his receivers for key completions. The Saints' defense closed the game with energy, highlighted by tackles from Mundt and a late pass breakup in the secondary.
By the Numbers
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Offense: West 14 completions, 321 passing yards, 4 touchdowns. Williams, 229 rushing yards and 41 receiving yards, 1 touchdown. Nathan Behrens (Watertown, MN/Watertown-Mayer HS), 16 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
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Defense: Mundt 9 solo tackles, 13 total tackles, Lomas, 7 total tackles, Samuel Haug (Brooklyn Park, MN/Concordia Academy) 2 solo tackles, 5 total tackles.
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Special teams: Jacob Andres 252 punting yards, 205 kickoff yards, 1 field goal, 2 extra points.
Whats Next
The Saints (1-1, 0-1 MIAC) will once again host a MIAC Conference game, this time against the Scots (1-1, 0-1 MIAC) of Macalester College. The Saints' next match-up is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 at 1 P.M.
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