St. Francis edges Kent State 23-17 with Hoenstine’s TDs
- Jeff Hoenstine led St. Francis (Pa.) to a 23-17 victory over Kent State, throwing for one touchdown and rushing for another.
- Kent State managed to close the gap with touchdown passes from both starting and backup quarterbacks, but could not score again until late in the game.
- St. Francis's strong performance, particularly in the rushing game, allowed them to secure their first win of the season.
On Saturday, St. Francis (Pa.) faced Kent State in a competitive football matchup in Kent, Ohio. Jeff Hoenstine played a pivotal role for the Red Flash, throwing for one touchdown and running for another, helping his team establish an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter. The momentum continued as Hoenstine connected with Gavin Thomson for a 64-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 17-0 early in the second quarter. Kent State, however, responded with determination. Quarterbacks Devin Kargman and Tommy Ulatowski each contributed touchdown passes, narrowing the gap to 20-14 by halftime. Despite their efforts, the Golden Flashes struggled to find the end zone again, only managing a 44-yard field goal from Andrew Glass late in the game. St. Francis maintained control of the game, recovering an onside kick after Kent State's field goal, effectively running out the clock to secure their victory. The Red Flash's rushing attack was significant, totaling 207 yards, with DeMarcus McElroy leading the way with 81 yards. Hoenstine also contributed significantly on the ground, adding 50 yards to the team's total. The game marked St. Francis's first win of the season, improving their record to 1-1, while Kent State fell to 0-2. The performance of Hoenstine and the team's overall execution were crucial in achieving this hard-fought victory against an FBS opponent.