CHICAGO, IL. (September 14, 2024) – The St. Thomas University (STU) football team soared to victory in a thrilling clash against the #8 Saint Xavier Cougars, overcoming a late surge to secure a decisive 33-14 win. Led by a stellar performance from quarterback
Keely Watson and the run game, the Bobcats executed a well-orchestrated game plan to outlast the Cougars.
The game kicked off with the Bobcats making an immediate statement. On their opening drive, the Bobcats showcased their offensive prowess as
Keely Watson connected with
David Hayes for a 34-yard touchdown pass. The drive, consisting of six plays for 80 yards, giving St. Thomas an early 6-0 lead after the point after attempt was blocked. Continuing their strong offensive showing, the Bobcats doubled their lead in the second quarter. Watson once again found a target in the end zone, this time delivering an 11-yard pass to
Khalitri Zow. The drive spanned six plays and covered 56 yards, demonstrating the Bobcats' effective ball control and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
STU kept the pressure on, and with just under six minutes remaining in the second quarter, Watson and Hayes struck again. Hayes caught a 25-yard pass from Watson, leading to a successful extra point kick by
Zachary Alvarez. The score ballooned to 19-0 as St. Thomas continued to build their lead nearing the end of the first half. Not content with a comfortable margin, the Bobcats capped off an impressive first half with another touchdown. Watson's 17-yard pass to
Jaden Fox-Harrington was a highlight of an 11-play, 77-yard drive that ate up nearly four minutes of clock. The successful
Geno Lubin pass for the extra point extended St. Thomas' lead to a commanding 27-0 with just over a minute left in the second quarter.
The Cougars, however, were not ready to go down without a fight. SXU managed to respond just before halftime. Stuart Ross connected with Brandt Hixson for an 18-yard touchdown pass, and with Peyton Benes adding the extra point, SXU reduced the deficit to 27-7. The drive was quick and efficient, covering 43 yards in just two plays. As the second half unfolded, the Bobcats remained resilient, with both teams battling for control. SXU made a push early in the fourth quarter as Ross found Ronnie Foster for a 19-yard touchdown pass. Benes's successful kick brought the Cougars closer at 27-14, injecting a sense of urgency into the final moments of the game.
However, the Bobcats answered back with a crucial score to put the game out of reach. Watson connected with
Jaelyn Thomas for a 16-yard touchdown pass. Although
Rontavious Farmer's rush attempt failed, the score reached 33-14 with just over eight minutes remaining. The Bobcats' defense held firm for the rest of the game, securing the victory.
Box Score Notables
Offense
Defense
Up Next
The Bobcats will have a bye week this upcoming weekend but will be back in action on the road at Florida Memorial on September 28
th.
