Box Score

FARGO, N.D. – The Saint Francis University football team fell in a non-conference contest Saturday against No. 8/11 North Dakota State University, 56-3, in the Fargodome.

The Red Flash (0-2, 0-1) put together some solid play in parts against the Bison (2-0, 0-0) but NDSU overwhelmed SFU in the middle two quarters scoring 49 points in the second and third quarter to move past Saint Francis. The game did have some bright spots and transfer quarterback Corey Nielson saw his first action and played well late in the game. 

The contest started well for the Flash with an excellent kickoff return by A.J. Alexander (Altoona, Pa./Altoona Area) to start the game and good drive from the offense which got the Flash down inside the five yard of North Dakota State. The drive ended on third-and-goal fumble by John Kelly (Frederick, Md./Tuscarora). The Saint Francis defense impress in its first possession as well allowing NDSU just one yard and forcing them into a punt.

Saint Francis was driving for a second consecutive possession but an interception on the two-yard line gave the ball back to NDSU. The turnover was the second for the Flash inside the NDSU five in the first quarter. North Dakota State responded with a 95 yard touchdown run by Sam Ojuri to take a 7-0 lead.

After being forced into a punting situation early in the second quarter Cooper Wahlo blocked the SFU punt attempt by Andrew Penska and picked the ball up and ran in for the score to make it 14-0 NDSU. Following the punt block NDSU gain the momentum of the game. The Bison added two more scores before the half one coming on a Brock Jensen touchdown pass and one on a run by Jensen.

The Bison came out determined in the second half and scored fourth third quarter touchdowns to put the game out of reach for the Flash. Carlton Littlejohn return an interception for touchdown, Wes Hudson scored twice on the ground and Matt Veldman caught a 18-yard touchdown pass.

Saint Francis got on the board in the fourth quarter with a field goal from Josh Thiel (Leesburg, Va./Heritage). Keion Wade (East Orange, N.J./East Orange) sparked the drive with some solid power runs.

The Red Flash return to action next week when they have their home opener against Morehead State and DeGol Field, kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

GAME NOTES
-This was the first ever meeting between NDSU and Saint Francis
- His action in the fourth quarter was the first of Corey Nielson's SFU career
- Anthony Bowman (Damascus, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) highlight the defensive effort with 11 tackles and three tackles for loss.
- Freshman Bishop Neal (Clairton, Pa./Clairton) posted four tackles and half a tackle for loss