The Malone University football team was defeated by NCAA Division I FCS opponent Saint Francis (PA) Saturday afternoon by the final score of 52-10. Despite hanging with the Red Flash for the first 30+ minutes, the strength, size, and speed of Saint Francis proved to be too much for Malone as the Pioneers were outscored 35-0 down the stretch.
 
After a Malone three-and-out to start the game, Saint Francis set the tone early when quarterback Zack Drayer hooked up with 6'4" receiver Kamron Lewis for 34 yards on its first play from scrimmage. Another 17-yard reception by Lewis set up the Red Flash inside the Malone 10, but the drive stalled. A field goal by All-American kicker Lance Geesey gave the hosts a 3-0 lead.
 
Following another Malone three-and-out, the Red Flash took advantage of a short field and marched 50 yards for the score. Halfback Jymere Jordan-Toney punched it in from nine yards to make it a 10-0 ball game.
 
In danger of going three-and-out for their third straight possession, the Pioneers finally moved the sticks when Matt Blasiole went 14 yards on a 3rd-and-13 draw play. Three plays later, on 3rd-and-15, Malone quarterback John Iacucci hit Ashton Dulin in stride for 36 yards. The Pioneers drive eventually ended with a Marcus Moeller field goal try. The strong-legged kicker split the uprights from 38 yards out to cut the deficit to 10-3 just seconds into the second quarter.
 
On the subsequent SFU possession, Malone took advantage of two huge penalties, including one that negated a 42-yard touchdown run. The Red Flash were forced to punt for the first time in the game as Malone took over at their own 13-yard line.
 
The Pioneers continued with a deliberate pace on offense, chewing time off the clock and moving the chains before eventually turning field possession. After a strong special teams tackle by Jonathon Zimmerly, Saint Francis began its drive on their own 6-yard line.
 
The Red Flash drove into Malone territory but turned the ball over when Jordan Johnson jumped in front of an SFU receiver inside his own 10-yard line to intercept his first pass of the season and the third of his career. The Pioneers turned it right back over, however, fumbling on their next play. Two plays later Saint Francis hit paydirt to make it 17-3 with three minutes left before halftime.
 
With the score still 17-3 to start the second half, the Pioneers benefitted from a fortunate bounce on the opening kickoff. In an effort to keep the ball away from All-American kick returner Lorenzo Jerome, Marcus Moeller's short kick checked-up perfectly at the Saint Francis 29-yard line where Josh Correll beat the SFU return team to the loose ball.
 
Making use of the short field, Malone would score its first and only touchdown of the game when Matt Blasiole plunged in from a yard out. The scoring play was set up a play prior when Ashton Dulin made an outstanding 26-yard reception on 3rd-and-8. Dulin went up to make a sure-handed catch in traffic and was hit hard by an SFU defender, but held on to the football for the first down reception.
 
The momentum from Blasiole's touchdown was short-lived as Saint Francis responded immediately with a touchdown on its next drive. From that point on it was all Saint Francis as the offensive and defensive lines took over the second half.  Four more touchdowns to go along with five Malone punts and an interception secured the 52-10 Red Flash victory.
 
Game Highlights
-Saint Francis outgained Malone 491-183 in total offense, averaging 8.93 yards per play
-The Red Flash were 6-of-9 on third down conversions while the Pioneers were 6-of-17
-SFU committed eight penalties for 104 yards compared to six penalties for 49 yards for Malone
 
Malone Individual Highlights
-Ashton Dulin finished with six receptions for 97 yards
-Blasiole totaled 36 yards rushing
-Daniel Tepe and Ryan Weber led the defense with six tackles apiece
-Jordan Johnson added five tackles and an interception
-Jesse Correll and Tyler Bowman each recorded a half sack
 
Saint Francis Individual Highlights
-Lorenzo Jerome was tremendous on defense with a team-high nine tackles, a sack, and an interception
-Kamron Lewis caught 10 passes for 188 yards
-Jyreme Jordan-Toney ran for 156 yards and four touchdowns
 
Up Next
Malone will look to bounce back next Saturday, October 8th when it hosts Alderson Broaddus in its first-ever G-MAC competition. The Homecoming kickoff is set for 2:00 pm at GlenOak High School.