ERIE, Pa. – Saint Francis University football saw defeat in a 21-20 heartbreaker against Mercyhurst on Saturday afternoon. The game was the final one of the 2024 season for Saint Francis.
 
What You Need to Know 
» Nick Whitfield Jr. went 18-of-26 for 245 yards and a touchdown. 

» DeMarcus McElroy had 15 carries for 43 yards, while Markell Holman had 7 carries for 21 yards. 

» Gavin Thomson had nine catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns. 

» Geno Calgaro had a team-high 12 total tackles.  

» Mercury Swaim had the lone Red Flash sack. 
 
Turning Points of the Game 
The Red Flash took control of the game early with a 46-yard bomb from Whitfield Jr. to Thomson to put Saint Francis ahead 7-0 just nine minutes in.

Mac Plummer would add two 46-yard field goals to give the Red Flash a 13-3 lead heading into halftime.

With the game tied at 13, Whitfield Jr. connected with Thomson for their second long-ball score of the day to put the Red Flash up 20-13 with 6:13 to go in the game. It was a 45-yard touchdown pass. 
 
Mercyhurst answered with a 29-yard touchdown pass of their own with 42 seconds left. The Lakers would convert the two-point attempt afterwards to go up 21-20. 

Flash Nuggets 
Whitfield Jr. has now thrown for over 200 yards in three straight games. 
 
Calgaro's 13 total tackles mark a career-high for the freshman. 
 
Whitfield Jr. had the fourth two-touchdown performance of his career and his third one in a row. 

Thomson's nine catches and 157 yards are both career-highs for the graduate student. It is the fourth time this season he has caught at least five passes in a game.