BOX SCORE HARRISONBUG,Va. (Sept. 1, 2012) – The Saint Francis University Football fell in its season opener Saturday night against James Madison, 55-7.
 
The Dukes' (1-0, 0-0) Justin Thorpe put on an offensive showcase on college football's opening Saturday with three touchdown against the Red Flash (0-1, 0-0). SFU had some positives but just could not contain the JMU rushing attack that finished the night with 377 yards.
 
James Madison impressed in the first half putting up 34 points while the defense for the Dukes held the Red Flash to just two first downs in the first half. Thorpe had a role in three of the first half touchdowns with two coming on rushes and the third on a 41-yard pass to Dae'Quan Scott. The defense slowed the JMU offense late in the first half forcing them into two field goals. Dejor Simmons opened scoring the second half with a three yard touchdown run with 4:55 left in the quarter.
 
Saint Francis got on the board early in the fourth quarter thanks to an excellent drive engineered by John Kelly (Frederick, Md./Tuscarora), who marched the Flash 75 yards on 15 plays. The senior capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown toss to fellow senior Kevin Parker (Monessen, Pa./Monessen).
 
James Madison capped scoring in the game with two touchdowns in the final 10 minutes. Khairi Dickson (Cleveland, Ohio/Cleveland Central Catholic) led the Flash in rushing with 51-yards in his first college game. Max Ma'afala-Maiava (Pearl City, Hawaii/Aiea ) led the Flash with nine total tackles and while fellow freshman Ter'Shaudney Phillips (Deland, Fla./Deland) made seven tackles and came close to making a couple interceptions. The Dukes rode their excellent balance in the rushing game to the victory with seven players rushing for at least 30 yards.
 
Saint Francis returns to action next Saturday with the home opener against conference rival Bryant at DeGol Field.