A Thrilling Finale: USF fends off the Trojans, 44-31
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Saint Francis (Ind.) (6-4) | 7 | 14 | 3 | 20 | 44 |
|
Taylor (IN) (2-9) | 3 | 13 | 8 | 7 | 31 |
UPLAND, IN – your University of Saint Francis Cougars embarked on a short journey to face off against Taylor University Trojans on a Saturday afternoon, marking the culmination of their 2023 season. The game unfolded in a thrilling manner, with a seesaw battle ultimately resulting in the Cougars securing a 44-31 victory, marking their first winning season since 2019.
The initial quarter kicked off with rapid exchanges, as Taylor initiated the scoring with a 26-yard field goal at the 10:32 mark. However, the Cougars responded at the 6:27 mark, with Grant Gremel connecting with McCall Ray for a 10-yard touchdown pass, taking a 7-3 lead.
The second quarter showcased USF's dominance, as Cam Peterson found the endzone early, extending their lead to 14-3 at 14:44. The Cougars' defense played a pivotal role, with Kevin Ford intercepting the ball at the 13:35 mark, setting up David Smith for a 5-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 21-3. Taylor mounted a response with a 65-yard touchdown run by Ja Thomas, closing the gap to 21-16 by halftime.
Despite the Cougars' apparent control in the first half, Taylor rallied in the third quarter, seizing the lead at the 10:12 mark with Brendan Lamb's 13-yard touchdown, making it 21-24. A promising drive for USF culminated in a 27-yard Aidan Hosler field goal, tying the game at 24-24 by the end of the quarter. The momentum shifted decisively in the fourth quarter, as Cam Peterson's touchdown early on reestablished USF's lead at 31-24 with 13:50 remaining. An interception by Bailey Parker provided the Cougars an opportunity, resulting in Grant Gremel's 20-yard pass to Ja'Saun Lambert for another touchdown, extending the lead to 38-24 at 11:45. Taylor responded with a 79-yard pass from Damon Hockett to Ja Thomas, narrowing the gap to 38-31.
As the game reached its climax, turnovers became crucial. A Nate Newcomer interception at the 10:34 mark gave USF a big momentum swing. However, a critical fumble that next drive for the cougar offense by Cam Peterson at the 3-yard line gave Taylor possession with 7:21 left. Despite subsequent punts from both teams, the turning point occurred at the 2-minute mark. Facing a 4th and 6 situation, Damon Hockett was sacked for a 14-yard loss by Chamarr Smith, leading to a fumble recovered by Marquise Cross, who sprinted to the endzone for a defensive scoop and score, sealing the game at 44-31 in favor of the Cougars.
USF closes the 2023 season with a 6-4 record, with a 5-2 record in MSFA Mideast play. Was a great ride this season and can't wait to have everyone back at D'arcy!
Cougars fans can stay informed about upcoming events and game recaps by visiting saintfranciscougars.com or downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.
