PLAINVIEW, Texas. – The University of Saint Mary football team got out to a fast start in the first half against Wayland Baptist University on Saturday, but the second half belonged to the Pioneers as they defeated the Spires 35-13 at Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium.
The Spires are 0-1 to begin the season.
GAME FLOW
Saint Mary posted the first points of the game after driving down the field on 17 plays to add a field goal from CJ Erwin, for a 3-0 lead. Wayland Baptist would answer as they scored a touchdown on eight plays to take the 7-3 lead with 1:09 left in the first quarter.
The Spires used three different players at the quarterback position and the top QB of the game for USM, Jalil Grimes would add a three yard rushing touchdown to regain the lead for the team. Saint Mary took a 10-7 lead at halftime. After forcing a punt by the Pioneers to open the second half, Erwin would connect on his second field goal of the game from 39 yards out to give the Spires a 13-7 advantage at the 11:46 mark.
The rest of the half would go Wayland Baptist's way, as they scored 28 unanswered points. The next three possessions for the Spires after their field goal would end with two punts and an interception.
Grimes led the passing attack with 79 of the team's 102 passing yards. Demontrel Wilson led the rushing attack with 90 yards on 16 carries and Fred Daughtry caught four passes for 73 yards.
Matapua Tulafale led the Spires with eight total tackles and Rafael Sangines had six.
"We could not overcome a handful of plays in the third quarter," Saint Mary head football coach Jay Osborne said. "We have a great group of guys that will learn how to limit the momentum but today was a lesson. Our guys did overcome some issues. We took the lead twice in the game. However the quick and deep hits to our secondary could not be overcome. I believe that can be fixed before next week."
WHAT'S AHEAD FOR THE SPIRES
Saint Mary will host Friends University in their home opener on Sept. 7 at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
