Offense Struggles as (22) Cougars Fall 13-10 to Siena Heights
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Saint Francis (Ind.) (2-2) | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
|
Siena Heights (2-2) | 3 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 13 |
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Saturday afternoon the No. 22 University of Saint Francis Cougars (2-2; 0-1 MSFA MEL) traveled to Adrian, Michigan to take on the Siena Heights University Saints (2-2; 1-0 MSFA MEL) but couldn't manage enough offense as they fell 13-10.
As the game got underway, both teams went quietly in their first couple offensive possessions and the first quarter moved quickly. Then the Saints took advantage of a 13-play drive capped off by a 35-yard field goal to take the lead 3-0.
Once the Cougars got the ball back, a costly fumble gave the ball back to the Saints in Cougars territory as the first quarter ended with the Cougars trailing by three and the Saints threatening for more.
The second quarter didn't begin on a promising note for the Cougars as the Saints scored the game's first touchdown in the second play of the frame on a 33-yard TD reception. The score now stood at 10-0 in favor of Siena Heights.
With Saint Francis back on offense, they managed their first scoring drive midway through the frame as senior kicker Jack James knocked in a 32-yard field goal to cut the deficit down to a touchdown. The Cougars threated once more to tie the game before halftime, but an interception gave the ball back to Siena Heights as the game went to halftime with Saint Francis trailing 10-3.
Opening the second half, the Saints started with the ball and opened an 11-play drive to get themselves into Cougars territory, but the defense for Saint Francis stepped up and performed well throughout the game and kept the Saints from scoring.
Unfortunately for the Cougars, their offense couldn't cash in despite the defense making key stops. No more scoring was done in the frame as the game entered the fourth quarter with Saint Francis still trailing by a touchdown.
In the first several possessions of the final frame, neither team was able to find the endzone, until the Saints managed a 33-yard field goal to extend their lead back to 10 points with under four minutes remaining.
Then the Cougars answered. Senior quarterback Heath Simmons drove his offense down the field and connected with junior wide receiver Eli Patchett for a touchdown and the extra point attempt went through the make the score 13-10 with the Cougars right back in the game.
Saint Francis' defense stepped up to make one more stop, giving the ball back to the offense for one last chance, despite only 25 seconds remaining.
Simmons got the ball out to the Saints 40-yard line with one play left, but Jack James' 58-yard field goal attempt fell short as the Cougars suffered the tough loss.
Throughout the game the Cougars managed 206 total yards on offense with 200 in the air and six on the ground, while the defense stepped up to make five sacks for a total loss of 19 yards including two by Joey Schaufelberger.
The Cougars resume play next Saturday when they travel to Livonia, Michigan to take on the Madonna University Crusaders (0-5; 0-1 MSFA MEL) with kickoff set for 12:30 pm.
Cougar fans, stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting Saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.
