Vickers with 177 Receiving Yards and Two Scores in 45-34 Loss to #14 St. Francis (IN)

Carpentersville, Ill. The Judson University Football Team continued to produce offensively against strong competition as the Eagles put up five touchdowns in a 45-34 loss to #14 St. Francis-Indiana.

Judson fought from behind from the onset as St. Francis scored twice in the first eight minutes of the game. Aubrey Williams scored on a three-yard rush to give Judson its first points to cap a three-minute drive. After St. Francis scored the next three touchdowns, Williams found O'Vauntay Vickers for an 80-yard touchdown strike to pull the Eagles within three scores. Judson was able to sneak in another score before the halftime horn with another Williams-Vickers connection, this time from three yards out to pull Judson within 14 points at the half. The drive started due to a successful onside kick recovery. Judson would score on their next drive, thanks to a two-yard rushing touchdown from Aubrey Williams to pull Judson back within seven. After St. Francis nailed a 36-yard field goal to start the fourth quarter, the Eagles pulled within four on a five-yard pass from Williams to Keionta Fox. St. Francis added one more insurance score to increase their lead to 11.

Vickers led the Eagles with 177 yards receiving on nine catches and two touchdowns. Williams had 289 receiving yards three touchdowns and no interceptions. Negil Bruce had 56 rushing yards to lead Judson. He and Brandon Mackey each had 20-yard rushes in the contest. Newcomer Zach Rissman made four of five PAT attempts, with his only miss coming from a botched hold.

Defensively, DeMarius Farmer continues to shine with 10 total tackles to lead the team. David Dunbar had six tackles, five of which were solo. Clifton Jimerson, and Vincent Tringall had sacks for Judson, while Josh Mason and EJ Glover also had tackles for losses. Camren Carter recorded an interception for the Eagles.

"That was a hard-fought football game. It is what being in the MSFA is all about. Being tested every week to see how good you are," said Head Coach Dan Paplaczyk. "We are young but learning how to compete and win. We are making the progress we need to, but we still need to clean up some mistakes to take the next step. I'm proud of the guys and how they battled. We'll get there soon."

Judson (0-3) travels to Livonia, Michigan next Saturday to take on fellow first-year program Madonna University at 11:30 AM Central Time.