JOLIET, Ill. – The Siena Heights football team gave up nine points in the second half to fall 19-14 to St. Francis (Ill.) on Saturday afternoon in Joliet, Illinois.
The Saints scored a late touchdown in the second half to take a 14-10 lead into the locker room at the half but were held scoreless during the second half as the Fighting Saints held off Siena Heights to secure the five-point win.
Michael Guyton had a day for the Saints as he hauled in eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Kaleb Jefferson rushed for 50 yards and a score, while Jamon Benson II led on the ground with 54 yards. Kole Murlin led the defense with 15 tackles and contributed to the team's only sack. Andrew McGaughy finished with eight tackles and a quarterback hurry.
Kaleb Jefferson gave the SHU Saints a 7-0 lead early after a four-yard touchdown run at 10:28 in the first quarter.
A 21-yard field goal in the second quarter cut the lead to four points before a 28-yard touchdown pass with 3:35 left in the half gave the Fighting Saints their first lead of the game at 10-7.
Ryan Minor was three-for-three on the next drive to move the ball down the field and take the lead after a 15-yard touchdown strike to Michael Guyton flipped the score to 14-10 in favor of the Saints.
A safety and then a 78-yard kick return for a touchdown gave St. Francis (Ill.) a 19-14 lead with 12:24 left in the third quarter.
The Saints had a drive stopped on downs deep in USF territory and turned the ball over in a later drive to thwart an opportunity to regain the lead.
The final drive for SHU started with 1:49 remaining in the game. Siena Heights moved to the Fighting Saints' 31-yard line, but Minor's pass was picked off in the endzone as time expired.
UP NEXT
The Saints return home to host nationally-ranked Saint Francis (Ind.) next Saturday, October 1 for the 2022 Siena Heights Homecoming Game at noon.
