News-Letter

A week after shocking undefeated Hampden-Sydney 23-7 on the road for the program's first NCAA tournament win, the Jays did just enough to squeeze by Thomas More, winning 31-29 courtesy of a 43 yard field goal from junior Alex Lachman as time expired.

The Jays handed the previously undefeated Saints, from Crestview Hills, Kentucky, their first loss of the season, while the Jays continue their magical run in the Stagg Bowl.

"The Hampden-Sydney win was the first time a Hopkins football team made it out of the first round," Junior Alex Lachman said.

"The momentum from the Hampden-Sydney game definitely carried over to the Thomas More game. We were very happy winning the first round game, but we weren't satisfied with just one win. We knew we were going to play a very good team in Thomas More, but everyone was really excited for the chance to go to Kentucky and play them."

On the road for the second straight week, the Jays came out firing from the beginning, torching the Saints for 21 points in the first half.

Sophomore backup quarterback Tyler Porco put the Jays on the board first as he executed a play-action fake, connecting with Junior Dan Crowley for a 63-yard touchdown pass. The Saints would respond later in the quarter after picking off sophomore quarterback Hewitt Tomlin's pass, bringing the return into the Jays red zone.

The Jays defense, however, would hold the Saints to only a field goal on the drive, preserving the lead at 7-3 going into the second quarter.

Midway through the second, the Jays forced a Thomas More turnover, with senior Colin Wixted recovering the ball at the Saints two-yard line. Tomlin found junior tight end Brian Hopkins in the end zone on the next play, giving the Jays a 14-3 lead.

The Jays broke up Thomas More's following possession, as senior Devin Hewlett came up with Hopkins second straight interception.

Starting at their own 19-yard line, senior running back Andrew Kase carried the ball 36 yards on two plays to bring the Jays within the Saints half. Following four completions by Tomlin, Kase carried the ball one yard for his 50th career touchdown and a dominating 21-3 halftime lead over the unbeaten Saints.

"Our coaches emphasize coming out strong," Tomlin said. "We planned to come out big on this team because undefeated teams aren't used to being down and we wanted to send them a big message."

The second half proved to be another story, however, as the Saints grabbed all the momentum. With two touchdowns in less than three minutes midway through the third, the Saints put themselves back in the game, cutting the deficit to 21-17.

Continued...

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