FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Behind an
Xavier Leigh touchdown and a
Matt Kling field goal, the Sacred Heart University football team earned its first win of the 2024 season against Division II opponent Saint Anselm College by a final score of 10-3 on Saturday afternoon at Campus Field.
The Pioneers opened the scoring in the second quarter as the hosts put together a 7:15 drive that resulted in a 29-yard field goal from Kling with one minute left on the clock. SHU then capitalized on a mishandled snap by the Saint Anselm punter, putting the Pioneers in prime position with four seconds remaining in the half. The next play saw Leigh push through the Hawks' defensive line for the three-yard touchdown with no time on the clock.
Records:
SHU (1-1)
Saint Anselm (0-1)
Top Performers:
Offense -
(QB) -
John Michalski: 10-16 | 86 passing yards | 17 attempts | 81 rushing yards
(RB) –
Jalen Madison: 19 attempts | 62 yards
(RB) –
Xavier Leigh: 12 attempts | 40 yards | 1 touchdown
(WR) –
Mason Stahl: 2 receptions | 36 yards
Defense-
(DL)
Tyreke Brown – 6 tackles (3 solo, 3 assist) | 2.0-6 TFL/Yds | 1.0-5 Sack/Yds
(DB)
Maximus Mongelli – 6 tackles (1 solo, 5 assist)
How it Happened:
The first quarter was quiet as both teams were held scoreless despite Saint Anselm threatening on two different drive attempts. Saint Anselm's first missed opportunity was on a missed field goal attempt at 7:29, while the second was a fumble, recovered by
Isaiah Bishop, on a fourth and seven on the SHU 31.
Sacred Heart came alive at the end of the second quarter, scoring 10 straight points within one minute to take the 10-0 lead at the half.
The Pioneers' double-digit lead ended in the fourth quarter when Saint Anselm's Patrick Carroll connected for a 42-yard field goal to trim the deficit to within seven, 10-3. The Hawks then followed up with an onside kick with the hopes of recovering the ball, but SHU secured the ball and started its first drive of the quarter at 14:27.
Sacred Heart had three more scoring chances before the final horn but could not put the game out of reach because the Hawks' defense held the Pioneers from scoring on a fourth and one.
Saint Anselm countered the Pioneers' final drive of the game with a pair of plays that could have resulted in a comeback tie, but the Pios' defense held firm to help secure the win.
Up Next:
The Pioneers close their three-game homestand with a Saturday afternoon bout against Georgetown. Kickoff is scheduled for September 14th at 1:00 PM on Campus Field.
