The Saints earned their sixth consecutive win this weekend against Springfield College in Springfield, MA. The team came off their bye week refreshed, focused, and ready to take on the rest of the season.
This win puts the Saints record at 5-1 overall and 4-0 in the Liberty League, putting the team in first place on the road to securing a Liberty League championship and potentially a bid in the NCAA Division III playoffs. Both the offense and defense continue to work in unison as the season progresses.
Led by quarterback Mike Lefflbine, the offense succeeded at keeping the game out of Springfield’s reach. The offense finished the game with a total of 310 yards. Lefflbine threw 21-for-37 for an overall 220 yards passing, with a total of four TDs, one of which he ran in himself.
Saints’ offense went to work in the first drive of the game after our defense forced Springfield to punt. This drive was completed on a 4th-and-4 on the 24 ending with Lefflbine connecting with Senior defensive back/wide receiver Leondre Simmon for the first touchdown of the game (7-0). Simmon had a stellar performance this game, finishing with a pair of TDs and an interception.
In the second quarter Springfield continued to put up a fight against the Saints. Springfield’s offense pulled off a seven-play drive that ended in a TD to tie the game (14-14).
Halfway through this quarter, Sophomore linebacker Skyler Williamson earned himself a fumble and changed the momentum for the team. Junior kicker Andrew Carvahlo followed up by completing a 21-yard field goal to take the lead again (17-14), this time for good. The first half ended on a strong note, Junior tight end Mitch Gallagher received a pass in the end zone from Lefflbine just fifteen seconds before halftime, thereby extending the lead (24-17).
As the offense continued to work at putting points on the board, the defense also put in phenomenal effort. Saints defense held Springfield to 26 yards passing, forcing this triple option team to rush the ball the majority of the game.
After the game, sophomore defensive lineman Ryan Byrne said, “I think the team is starting to finally click on all cylinders, we are getting better week by week.” Byrne led the defense with twelve tackles, followed by Junior linebackers Alec Dietsch and Nick Barclay with nine stops each.
The fourth quarter was sealed when junior safety James Holley Grisham intercepted a fourth-down attempt, his only one for the game. Holley-Grisham finished the game completing seven tackles, a forced fumble, and 96 yards on three punt returns. The Saints team-effort abled Lefflbine to take a knee to secure the victory.