St. Thomas Triumphs Over Stetson with Blocked Punts and Pick-6
- St. Thomas-Minnesota scored 28 points in the first quarter, including two touchdowns from blocked punts.
- Hope Adebayo added a rushing touchdown, and Ryan Calcagno contributed with a pick-6.
- Despite a strong effort from Stetson, the Tommies' defense secured the victory, improving their record to 2-3.
In Saint Paul, Minnesota, St. Thomas-Minnesota achieved a significant victory over Stetson in their Pioneer Football League opener on Saturday, winning 34-24. The game started dramatically with Matthew Guggemos blocking a punt in the first minute, recovering it for a touchdown, followed by Logan Cassady blocking another punt and scoring shortly after. This explosive start led to a 28-point first quarter for St. Thomas. Hope Adebayo contributed to the scoring with a rushing touchdown, while Ryan Calcagno added a pick-6, putting St. Thomas in a commanding position. Despite a strong effort from Stetson's quarterback Brady Meitz, who threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, the Tommies' defense held firm, intercepting three of his passes throughout the game. Adebayo was a standout performer for St. Thomas, rushing for 95 yards on 19 carries. The victory improved St. Thomas's record to 2-3, while Stetson also fell to 2-3. This match highlighted the importance of special teams and defensive plays in determining the outcome of football games, showcasing how early momentum can significantly influence the final score.