WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Oct. 3) – The Saint Vincent College football team suffered a narrow 13-7 defeat at Waynesburg University in a Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) matchup on Saturday afternoon at John F. Wiley Stadium.
The Bearcats (1-2, 0-2 PAC) carried a 7-0 lead into halftime, but the Yellow Jackets (1-4, 1-2 PAC) scored 13 unanswered points in the third quarter to earn the victory in their Homecoming contest.
Despite the loss, the Saint Vincent defense turned in a strong performance, recording four interceptions and four sacks, while holding the Yellow Jackets to just 78 rushing yards.
Offensively, the Bearcats were led by wide receiver Chris Downs, who hauled in six receptions for 120 yards, including a 45-yard catch. Quarterback Jake Phillips completed 13 of 30 passes for 159 yards and one touchdown, while running back Drahcir Jones led the rushing attack with 60 yards on nine carries.
After a scoreless opening quarter, the Bearcats broke through in the second quarter to take a 7-0 lead into the locker room.
Waynesburg responded in the third quarter, putting together a pair of touchdown drives to take a 13-7 advantage. The Yellow Jackets' second touchdown came on a 26-yard run by Carson Shriver.
Neither team managed to score in the fourth quarter, as the Bearcats attempted to mount a comeback. Saint Vincent put together a 13-play, 40-yard drive that advanced to the Waynesburg 10-yard line, but the Yellow Jackets turned the Bearcats away on downs.
Waynesburg later regained possession, but the Saint Vincent defense continued to battle, giving the Bearcats another opportunity. Saint Vincent's final offensive possession ended with an interception, allowing the Yellow Jackets to preserve the six-point victory.
The Bearcats finished the afternoon with 212 yards of total offense, including 159 through the air and 53 on the ground. Waynesburg totaled 372 yards of offense, with 294 passing yards and 78 rushing yards.
The Saint Vincent defense was led by Nathan Parker, who finished with a team-high nine tackles, two sacks and an interception, which he returned 10 yards. Parker also recorded two tackles for loss.
Jonathan Puddie added six tackles and a pass breakup, while Tyler Harpst finished with five stops. Keegan O'Brien, Patrick Connolly and Robbie Labuda joined Parker with interceptions, giving the Bearcats four takeaways through the air.
Max Lindner and Nile Thomas each added a sack, as the Bearcats recorded four sacks in the contest.
Along with Downs' performance offensively, James Reyer caught three passes for 30 yards, while Tristan Doy hauled in two receptions for seven yards and the Bearcats' lone touchdown.
The Bearcats will look to bounce back next Saturday, October 10 as they host Thiel in their annual Homecoming game. Kick off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Chuck Noll Field.
