Watch (ESPN+) | Live Stats | SFU Video Preview | SFU Game Notes | KSU Game Notes

LORETTO, Pa. – Saint Francis University football is set for its first of two games against FBS opponents this season with a trip to Kent State on Saturday, Sept. 7 for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff.
 
Offense
Running back DeMarcus McElroy led the attack with 69 rushing yards with a game-long 28-yard rush at Dayton. Markell Holman added 13 carries for 48 yards and scored the first Red Flash touchdown of the season. Gavin Thomson led Saint Francis with 44 receiving yards and had a game-long 29-yard catch. Cinsere Clark and McElroy had a team-high four receptions. Quarterback Nick Whitfield Jr. went 15-of-26 (58-percent) for 121 passing yards.  
 
Defense
The Red Flash defense allowed just 196 total yards of offense and 40 net rushing yard which were sixth and seventh in the FCS, respectively. Saint Francis was tied with four other programs for the most sacks in week one (five). Paul Tangelo is one of two players in the FCS with two forced fumbles and he added two sacks and an additional tackle for loss. He is one of four Saint Francis players with two forced fumbles in a game since 2012. Eddie Bierals became the first player since Bishop Neal on Nov. 17, 2012 to recover two fumbles in a game. Pierre Royster and Gavin Thomas each had one sack and another tackle for loss in the opener. DaMario Crawford led the team with eight total tackles (six solo). Geno Calgaro forced a fumble in his collegiate debut.
 
Special Teams
Punter Aidan Cirulli led the Northeast Conference with 44.3 yards per punt in the opening weekend. His 57-yard punt was the third-longest of his career. Mac Plummer converted his only field goal attempt from 26 yards out. Aaron Tutino had the only Red Flash punt return for 13 yards, while DaMario Crawford had an 18-yard kick return and Jahmil Perryman had a 16-yard kick return.
 
Last Time Out
Saint Francis dropped its season-opener at Dayton, 18-10. The Flyers started the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter and opened a 7-0 lead. Dayton added to its lead when they pinned Saint Francis at the one-yard line with a punt and got a safety the following play to open a 9-0 lead. Plummer cut into the Flyers' lead with a. 26-yard field goal in the second quarter and Dayton took a 9-3 lead into halftime. Dayton opened the second-half scoring on a 27-yard trick play touchdown and opened a 15-3 lead. After Tangelo strip sacked Dayton at their own 36-yard line, Saint Francis' Holman scored a one-yard touchdown on the ensuing drive and cut the deficit to 18-10. The Red Flash opened the fourth quarter with a drive down to Dayton's five-yard line before a fumble ended the series. Saint Francis was unable to score the remainder of the game and Dayton clinched its victory.
 
Scouting Kent State
The Golden Flashes opened the 2024 season with a 55-24 loss against ACC opponent Pitt. Kent State is coming off a 1-11 campaign in 2023 with its only victory 38-10 over NEC opponent Central Connecticut. Devin Kargman went 14-of-28 (50-percent) with 181 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He appeared in three games last season and totaled 297 passing yards. Luke Floriea, who was second on the team last season in receiving, led the team with six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. Chrishon McCray, the leading receiver in 2023, added four catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. Ky Thomas led the team with 18 rushes for 40 yards. Naim Muhammad recorded a 34-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown and added one sack. Mason Woods led the program with nine total tackles and Stephen Daley led with 2.0 tackles for loss. Alex Branch had the only interception of the opener for Kent State. The Golden Flashes were picked to finish last (12th) in the MAC Football Coaches Preseason Poll. 
 
All-Time vs. Kent State
Saint Francis and Kent State are set to face off for the first time in program history. Kent State will mark Saint Francis' fourth FBS opponent in program history. The Red Flash are 0-3 against FBS opponents, all in the MAC, and took Akron to overtime in a 30-23 loss in the 2022 season opener.
 
Around the NEC
Mercyhust defeated Division II opponent Wheeing 28-25 and Wagner defeated NCCAA member Virginia-Lynchurg 46-7 for the only NEC wins of the opening week. Central Connecticut lost to MAC opponent Central Michigan 66-10, while Duquesne lost to MAC opponent Toledo 49-10. Robert Morris fell to Utah State, 36-14. LIU dropped a close game 27-21 against No. 16 UAlbany and Saint Francis fell 18-10 at Dayton. Stonehill was the only NEC program not in action during the first week.
 
Week Two in the NEC
LIU visits TCU, Duquesne visits Boston College and Saint Francis visits Kent State in FBS action during week two. Stonehill visits Stony Brook to open its season, Mercyhurst visits Howard for its first game as an FCS program against an FCS program and Wagner visits Lehigh. Central Connecticut hosts Fordham and Robert Morris hosts Division II member Ediboro.
 
Next
Saint Francis has its home and conference opener against Central Connecticut on Saturday, Sept. 14 for a 12 p.m. kickoff.