ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist allowed 28 first quarter points on Saturday as the Spartans dropped their third game of the season to University of St. Francis (Ill.) 45-7 on the road in Joliet, Ill.
Missouri Baptist (0-3, 0-1 MSFA) struggled to find its way on both sides of the ball for much of the game, as the Fighting Saints grabbed points on each trip to the red zone.
Much of the St. Francis lead was built in the first quarter as Fighting Saints' quarterback Don Butkus started the first drive with a big pass play. The sophomore connected with wide receiver Sheldon Magee for a 51-yard pass completion, a drive that resulted in the first touchdown of the game.
Missouri Baptist was forced to punt on their first drive, but got the ball back, thanks to kick returner Eli Spann's fumble on the Fighting Saint 13 yard line. Just as it looked as Alex McGlassion would post the first three points for MBU, St. Francis blocked the field goal attempt and held the Spartans scoreless.
Butkus was the offensive star for the Fighting Saints on the day. He recorded 171 yards in the air and led the team in rushing yards with 84.
Saint Francis tacked-on three more scores in the opening 15 minutes. John Magee rushed for two, Butkus, one, and thus built the large lead en-route to the lopsided decision.
MBU recorded its lone touchdown of the day with under a minute remaining in the first half as Kalen Petty got on the board with another touchdown, his third receiving score of the year. The sophomore ended the day with four catches for 14 yards.
The Spartans had troubles stopping the run on Saturday, though the Fighting Saints offense remained quite balanced. As a whole, USF rushed for 212 yards and passed for 218.
The third quarter was not kind to quarterbacks, as both left the game. Jordan Norwine's exit gave way to Billy Ritchie, who saw the first action of his MBU career. Norwine finished the day 9-22 with 76 yards of passing and three interceptions. Ritchie went 7-12 for 35 yards and one interception.
Spartan punter Tyler Hach had another impressive game, regardless of the final score. The sophomore out of Pattonville High School averaged just over 44 yards on seven punts, two of which were over 50 yards.
With the loss, the Spartans fall to 0-3 on the year with a big matchup on the horizon at No. 1-ranked Marion on Sept. 26. Game time is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CST.
