STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  – Saint Francis University football won its first conference game of the season 27-7 over Wagner. The win marks the second season in a row the Red Flash opened conference play with a win over the Seahawks.
 
What You Need to Know
» Makai Jackson recorded 11 catches for 117 yards and one receiving touchdown. He added a 79-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and three rushes for 15 yards.
» Cole Doyle went 12-for-18 with 122 yards and one touchdown and added five rushes for 40 yards.
» Damon Horton had 16 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown, while Lovell Armstead had 14 rushes for 67 yards.
» Gregory Reddick and Willie O'Hara tied a game-high with eight tackles.
» Donnell Brown recorded a game-high two tackles for loss and his first sack of the season.
 
Turning Points of the Game
Wagner started the scoring with a 17-yard passing touchdown with 33 second remaining in the first quarter. Jackson responded on the ensuing kickoff with a 79-yard kick return for a touchdown and tied the game 7-7.
 
With 39 second remaining in the first half, Horton scored a one-yard rushing touchdown to open a 14-7 lead at the half. In the third quarter, Alex Schmoke extended the lead to 17-7. Later in the quarter, Jackson scored his second touchdown of the season, a 16-yard catch-and-run. Schmoke converted another field goal in the fourth quarter before Saint Francis locked down its 27-7 victory.
 
Flash Nuggets
Jackson, a freshman, became the first Red Flash player over 10 catches since Nov. 23, 2019. His 117 yards fell six short of his career-high 123 set last week at Richmond.
 
Doyle led Saint Francis quarterbacks in pass attempts and yards for the first time this season.
 
William Middleton, Giambi Nesbitt and Jalen Robertson all recorded the first sack of their Saint Francis careers.
 
The offensive line held opponents without a sack for the second straight game and has allowed just two sacks this season.
 
The Red Flash defense held their opponent to under 100 rushing yards for the second time this season. The unit also held Northeast Conference leading receiver Naiem Simmons to two catches for 18 yards.
 
Next
Saint Francis returns to the field for a non-conference matchup at Norfolk State on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m.