AVE MARIA, Fla. (October 20, 2024)- The St. Thomas University (STU) Football team went up against a feisty Ave Maria team on the road. The Bobcat running back Rontavious Farmer had his best game of the season, rushing for 232 yards and three touchdowns. STU is back in action next week against the Webber International Warriors for Homecoming. 

The game started with an electrifying 67-yard touchdown run by Rontavious Farmer, putting the Bobcats on the board first with a successful kick from Zachary Alvarez at 6:17. Ave Maria responded late in the quarter with a 41-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 7-7 after the successful PAT. Farmer continued to be a dominant force, scoring again on a 16-yard run early in the second quarter, giving St. Thomas a 14-7 lead. However, Ave Maria answered back with a short 2-yard run, tying the game once more. Just before halftime, Rontavious Farmer found the end zone again with a 15-yard run, capping off a 12-play, 75-yard drive and giving the Bobcats a 21-14 advantage heading into the locker room.

The Bobcats kept the pressure on with a 33-yard field goal from Zachary Alvarez, extending their lead to 24-14. Ave Maria attempted to claw back, and a 31-yard field goal narrowed the gap to 24-17, but St. Thomas remained in control. The Bobcats showcased their strong ground game and clock management with a 21-yard field goal from Alvarez early in the fourth quarter, pushing the lead to 27-17. The game shifted further in St. Thomas's favor when Keely Watson connected with Jaelyn Thomas for a 47-yard touchdown pass, making it 34-17. In a highlight-reel moment, Zxaequan Reeves intercepted a pass and took it back 95 yards for a touchdown, solidifying the Bobcats' lead at 40-17. Ave Maria added a late touchdown with a 20-yard pass but it wasn't enough to mount a serious comeback.

Key Players:

• Rontavious Farm: Stellar performance with 232 yards and three rushing touchdowns
• Zachary Alvarez: Contributed significantly with both field goals and extra points
• Zxaequan Reeves: The defensive standout with a game-changing 95-yard interception return for a touchdown