LORETTO, Pa. - The Saint Francis football team returns to action Saturday evening when the Red Wolves travel to Hiram College for a 6 p.m. Presidents' Athletic Conference matchup.
Saturday's contest will be the first meeting between the two programs and gives Saint Francis an opportunity to build on experience gained in the season opener against Grove City. The Red Wolves lost 36-6 in its Division III debut, but head coach Chris Villarrial stressed that this is a young team and he liked the effort the team gave.
"They didn't give up and that's huge," Villarrial said. "One of the things we showed them in meetings this week is that anything is possible."
Villarrial said his team must limit penalties and turnovers, but he saw glimpses of this team's potential, particularly from quarterback Ashton Walk.
"He did well going against a defense like that, bringing pressure all the time," Villarrial said. "The more he can see the field, the quicker he sees it, good things will happen."
On defense, linebacker Kent McMahon had a game high 10 tackles against Grove City. Defensive back Gavin Hockenberry added nine stops. Put in a tough situation, the defense responded at halftime. Villarrial said they will continue to lean on that veteran leadership.
"When all those guys started playing together you saw what we're capable of doing."
Hiram Scouting Report
Hiram has three straight wins to start the season (3-0 overall, 1-0 PAC). The Terriers opened play in the Presidents' Athletic Conference defeating Thiel, 32-19, last Saturday.
Hiram has been productive on both sides of the football during its unbeaten start. The Terriers are averaging 28 points and 418 yards of total offense per game. The defense has also been opportunistic forcing seven interceptions and holding opponents to 10.7 points per game.
The Terriers are led offensively by quarterback Sean Tejeda. Named All-PAC Honorable Mention a season ago, he owns the program record for career passing yards. Tejeda has a talented group around him, including wide receivers Devin Tufts and Kevin Dycks and tight end Dylan Hargas. Hargas had a standout performance against Thiel with six receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns.
The Hiram running game also presents a challenge. Isaiah Livingstone rushed for 98 yards against Thiel, while RJ Johnson added 91 yards. Defensively, freshman Jay'l Diaz made a statement with six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and an interception. Hiram's defense had four takeaways.
Game Day Central
Location: Charles A Henry Field at Malmisur Stadium; Hiram, Ohio
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Kickoff: 6 p.m. | Tickets: $5
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Saint Francis University Tailgate
Cost: $10
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Phone: 814-472-3015
Email: sfu-alumni-office@francis.edu
