BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene University (6-4) secured a 38-20 victory over the University of St. Francis (3-7) at Ward Field on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers' defense recorded three interceptions and five sacks in the win.

Olivet had the first possession of the game, but the drive ended with a turnover and St. Francis took over near midfield. The Tiger defense held strong though and St. Francis could not convert on fourth down. After a 23-yard pass from Kaleb Garner to Keon Green and a 23-yard rush by Keshawn Huguely, Olivet's second drive culminated in a touchdown run by Garner from the 4-yard line at 8:40. Josiah Johnson's successful kick brought the score to 7-0. Late in the quarter and after both teams exchanged punts, the Tigers extended their lead with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Garner to Ray Coffey, followed by another successful kick by Johnson, pushing the lead to 14-0. The quarter ended with the Tigers holding a 14-0 advantage over the Fighting Saints.

St. Francis opened the second quarter with a field goal to earn their first points of the game. The Tigers responded though when Garner connected with Japheth Lilo for a 25-yard touchdown pass at 7:10, extending their lead once again. On second down of the ensuing St. Francis drive, DaShaunsae King forced a fumble and Jontavion Bruin jumped on the ball to give the Tigers possession at the St. Francis 34 yard line. The Tigers' drive stalled though when a fourth down conversion failed with 4:43 remaining in the half. Olivet's defense came through once again as Vaisen Viloria intercepted a pass by Carl Bew, returning it 24 yards to set up another Olivet possession. After exchanging a few punts, St. Francis ended the half with a 39-yard field goal by Adrian Guerrero. Despite St. Francis' late scoring efforts, Olivet Nazarene held a 21-6 lead at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Tigers seized momentum following Jalen Perkins' interception at the Olivet 8-yard line, which he returned 29 yards to set up a new drive. Aaron Bennett led the offensive push with two significant 13-yard rushes, culminating in a 39-yard field goal by Johnson at 2:47, extending Olivet Nazarene's lead to 24-6. Despite two sacks on Garner, the Tigers maintained control, concluding the third quarter with the same 24-6 advantage over the Fighting Saints.

Garner opened the fourth quarter for the Tigers with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Lilo at 12:47, following an 18-yard rush that positioned the team deep in St. Francis territory. Johnson successfully converted the extra point, extending their lead. Despite St. Francis answering with a touchdown and a failed extra point attempt, the Tigers regained momentum as Jack Miller connected with Matthew Yoder for a 9-yard touchdown pass with 4:05 left in the game. A late touchdown by St. Francis cut the lead to 18 with 51 seconds remaining, but St. Francis could not convert the onside kick and Olivet was able to run out the clock on their next possesion to secure the 38-20 win.

Garner completed 15 of 23 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns. Lilo was effective as a target, catching two passes for 60 yards, both resulting in touchdowns. Viloria made a defensive impact with eight total tackles and an interception, which he returned for 24 yards. Perkins also stood out on defense, recording five tackles and returning an interception for 29 yards.

Olivet Nazarene University finishes the year with a 6-4 overall record and 2-3 record in conference play. St. Francis dropped to 3-7 on the season and 1-4 in the conference.

--ONU--