After Sacred Heart posted two touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 14-7 lead, Alex Schmoke (Bellwood, Pa.) made a 42-yard field goal at the end of the first half to go into the locker room trailing 14-13. The Red Flash came out of the second half and Schmoke recorded another field goal of 41 yards to make it a one-point game with 10:02 left in the third quarter. The game would come down to the final drive of the game. Josh McGrigg (Meade, Md.)  set up the final drive with a 20-yard punt return to give the Loretto program good field position at its own 41 with 2:17 on the clock and no timeouts. Judah Tomb (York, Pa.) also added the drive by recovering a fumble to maintain possession while also giving Saint Francis a first down. The Red Flash got the ball to the Sacred Heart 25 with five seconds left to give Schmoke the chance at another 42-yard field goal, but his kick went wide left as time expired.

FLASH QUOTES
"It wasn't one play that lost us the game. We had opportunities in that game to make an impact and we struggled to make them. There is still a lot to play for right now. If we stick together and keep playing we are going to be something dynamic. Our effort has been tremendous. Our defense played well, our special teams played well. It just wasn't our turn. We have to give them all the credit and we just have to bounce back. We have Merrimack coming in here and we have to represent again." – head coach Chris Villarrial.

"Hats off to our defense, and hats off to their offense. They are one of the best offenses in the conference. I am truly just upset that we couldn't pull it out." – linebacker Jalen Parks
 
"Our plan was to be unselfish and everybody does their part. We win and lose as a team so we are going to be with our guys. We want to finish our last two games out strong and get a couple of wins." – defensive back Martin Foray, Jr.

FLASH MOMENTS
Crittenden's punt return gave Saint Francis a 7-0 lead wyith 2:59 left in the first quarter.

Schmoke's first field goal was set up by Justin Sliwoski (Greensburg, Pa.) finding Kahtero Summers (Coatesville, Pa.) streaking down the sideline for a 32-yard completion on a first and 20 play. It was the longest pass completion of the day for the team. Sliwoski then had a quick seven-yard strike to Tomb to get the Red Flash closer for the field goal.

Jyron Russell (Grand Praire, Texas) took over at quarterback to start the second half and his legs gave Saint Francis 36 yards on the ground. Schmoke then hit a 41-yard field goal that hit off the right upright and in with 10:02 left.

FLASH NUGGETS
Since its loss to Norfolk State on September 25, the defense has not allowed more than 18 points in a game and have allowed 13.2 points per game in those five contests.

Foray's 15 tackles ties his career high he set in the game against Norfolk State and marks the fourth time this season he has posted double-digits in tackles.

Willie O'Hara (Des Moines, Iowa) also had double figures in tackles with a season-high 13 tackles.

Marques DeShields (Clementon, N.J.) rushed for 92 yards on 20 carries. It is his second most rushing yards this season after he posted a career-high 140 yards including a program-record 98-yard run against Bryant on October 16. He has 596 rushing yards this season.

Sliwoski finished the day with 76 yards passing in the first half, while Russell registered 77 total yards in the second half.

UP NEXT
Saint Francis closes out its home schedule against Merrimack on Saturday, November 13. Game time is 12 p.m. The seniors will be honored and the Saint Francis softball team, the 2021 Northeast Conference Champions, will receive their rings during a ring celebration during the day's festivities.