WICHITA, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary football team nearly came away with a win over Friends University Saturday afternoon. The Spires fell to the Falcons 44-38, despite 14 fourth quarter points from the Spires.

The Spires are now 2-6 on the season and in the KCAC.

GAME FLOW
Friends got a late touchdown in the first quarter to take a 6-0 lead after missing the extra point. The Spire would answer in the second quarter after Demontrel Wilson got a 12-yard touchdown reception with 13:51 left, giving Saint Mary a 7-6 lead.

Both teams would trade touchdowns midway through the second quarter as Bryan Barnhart took the ball into the end zone from three yards out. The Spires took a 14-13 lead thereafter. Friends scored two straight touchdowns and took a 27-14 halftime lead.

Early in the third quarter, the Spires added a touchdown as Drew Cortez found Joceice Cannon for 50 yards. CJ Erwin later added a 32 yard field goal to cut the deficit to three at 27-24. The Falcons added 10 straight points of their own to lead 37-24 with 13:42 left. Three minutes later, the Spires scored a touchdown as Zacch Smith caught a 48-yard pass from Cortez, to cut the deficit to six at 37-31.

Late in the fourth quarter the Spires were driving, but with 2:46 remaining the Falcons forced a fumble and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown to eventually win 44-31.

KEY STATISTICS

• Cortez threw for 428 yards and had four touchdowns through the air.
• Barnhart and Smith each went over the century mark with Barnhart adding 164 receiving yards and Smith had 118.
• David Burton had eight total tackles for the Spires.
• Friends's quarterback Brennan Whitaker threw for 205 yards and three scores.

WHAT'S AHEAD FOR THE SPIRES
Saint Mary will return to Berkel Memorial Stadium on Nov. 3 when they host Southwestern College for 'Senior Day.' Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.