Leavenworth, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Football team hosted the Tabor Blue Jays on Saturday, winning 21-16. Before the game, nine seniors were honored for the dedication and hard work they had given to the program.
The first quarter started slow for both teams as they traded punts. With a little under four minutes go in the quarter, Raymond Webster broke through the defense for a 30-yard touchdown to give Saint Mary the 7-0 lead. As the first quarter came to a close, the second quarter started with a missed field goal by the Spires. Tabor was then able to get on the board with a field goal, making the score 7-3. The Spires were unable to get any more points as Tabor got another field goal right before the half, giving the Spires just a one point lead.
The second half started fast for the Spires when Shane Bishop found Nick Holmes for a 46-yard touchdown pass to put the Spires up 14-6. Tabor was able to respond with yet another field goal to make the score 14-9. The rest of the quarter featured stout defensive play for both teams, as both teams were held scoreless. The fourth quarter started with an interception by Landon Beecham that led to a Spire touchdown. Webster's second score on the day was a two-yard rush that made the score 21-9 in favor of the Spires. Tabor was quick to answer as they scored a touchdown on the following drive to make the score 21-16.
After Saint Mary was unable to convert on a 4th and 1, the Blue Jay offense was set up in Spire territory with a minute left. Tabor got within five yards of the end zone with one second on the clock. The final play of the game ended in an interception by Aidan Arnold, who returned it 83-yards to the Tabor 16-yard line that sealed the Spire victory 21-16. Webster led the rushing attack for Saint Mary with 23 carries for 119 yards and two scores, while Hennessey Thomas led the Spires on defense with eleven tackles. The Spires built on their conference record from a year ago as they finished the season 4-7 overall and 4-6 in conference play.
