Box Score The Sacred Heart University football team dropped a 23-14 decision to Northeast Conference host Saint Francs University Saturday afternoon on DeGol Field. The loss drops SHU to 4-4 overall and 1-2 in league play, while the Red Flash improve to 4-3 on the season and 2-1 in NEC action.
The defenses were the story of the first-half, with SHU able to build a 7-3 advantage. The Red Flash scored first, 42 seconds into the second quarter on a 28-yard field goal from Lance Geesey. RJ Noel found Moses Webb with 6:00 to play in the first half, for a 32-yard touchdown, giving SHU a 7-3 lead that it would take into halftime.
The offenses found their stride in the third quarter, combining for 24 points and 339 yards of offense. The three touchdowns were all long strikes, with SHU connecting from 60-yards and the Red Flash with catches for 64 and 98 yards.
SHU returns home on November 7 for the #NofTacklesCancer Game versus Duquesne. Fans are asked to wear blue to the noon game to support Coach Nofri's fight against colon cancer and support the Colon Cancer Alliance.
First Quarter
RJ Noel (4-5) and Zack Drayer (4-6) combined to go 8-11 passing in the first quarter.
Ose Imeokparia had 33 of the Pioneers 44 first quarter yards, with 22 net rushing yards on nine carries.
Second Quarter
Pioneers drove the ball to the SFU 29 before Minter intercepted a Noel pass at the 18 yard line with a diving catch to turn the Pioneers away.
Moses Webb hauled in a pass from Noel and took it 32 yards to the end zone, giving SHU the 7-3 lead with 6:00 to play in the first half.
Saint Francis moved the ball to the SHU 19 before Chris Hutton intercepted a Drayer pass at the three-yard line. The interception marks the first time (27-28) that SFU did not score a point from inside the red zone this season
Third Quarter
SFU struck quickly to open the second half with a 1:58 drive of four plays, capped by a 68-yard TD strike from Drayer to Terell Smith.
SHU responded quickly, 83 seconds later, when Noel connected with Jackson King for a 60-yard touchdown. It was the fourth-longest play from scrimmage this season for the Pioneers and gave them a 14-10 lead; the teams last lead of the game.
Lance Geesey hit from 43-yards, capping a six-play 43-yard drive and pulling SFU within a point, 14-13, with 8:48 to play in the quarter.
After a sack gave SHU 3rd and 21 Noel found Dube for 11 yards leading to a punt from Ross that was downed at the two-yard line. The ensuing first down play by SFU turned into a 98-yard touchdown, with Smith going for 93-yards after the catch to put SFU in front 20-14 with 4:20 to play in the fourth quarter
Fourth Quarter
Geesey wrapped up the scoring midway through the quarter, connecting from 32-yards out for his third field goal, ending a 6:11 drive and putting the Red Flash in front 23-14.
After a 14-yard first down run by Noel on the next possession, his first-down pass, intended for Dube, was intercepted inside the five-yard line.
On the final drive, Noel found Andrew O'Neill for a 52-yard catch and a first down giving SHU a chance in the final minute of play.
Passing
Noel finished 19-35 in the air, for 294 yards and two touchdowns, while being intercepted twice
Drayer completed 13-20 for two touchdowns and was intercepted only once
Playing Clean
SHU was whistled for just two penalties in the game, totaling 18 yards
SFU was called for eight penalties, totaling 73 yards
