Thomas More defense steals spotlight, ignites 35-0 road win over St. Scholastica on Saturday

NKyTribune staff

DULUTH, Minn. — Virtually every game this season, it’s been the offense that has carried Thomas More University on the football field.

That changed Saturday against The College of St. Scholastica, when Thomas More’s defense stole the spotlight during a 35-0 road victory. The Saints held St. Scholastica to 154 total yards — all in the air — and dominated the field en route to their first shutout of the season.

Thomas More linebacker Peyton Van Horn led the defense with 11 tackles, including 4 1/2 for a loss and one sack. Linebacker Cody Coffey added five tackles, while defensive lineman Noah Sayre had five tackles, including two sacks.

The offense also enjoyed a big day. Thomas More finished with 569 yards of total offense, including three touchdown passes from quarterback Justin Post. The Saints built a 20-0 halftime lead and coasted to their fifth road victory of the season.

Thomas More improved to 6-2, while St. Scholastica dropped to 4-3. It marked the 23rd time in the program’s 29 seasons of competition that Thomas More has clinched a winning campaign.

Both of Thomas More’s losses this season (35-28 at North Carolina Wesleyan, and 34-31 to visiting Muhlenberg) came in the final minute of play.

Thomas More senior running back Hjavier Pitts reached the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second straight season on Saturday, finishing with 200 yards on the ground. Pitts, a graduate of Mt. Healthy High School in Cincinnati, now has 1,176 rushing yards this season. He also added five receptions for 26 yards on Saturday.

Saints running back Luke Zajac carried the ball 21 times for 103 yards and one touchdown, while wide receiver Da’marco Canty added two touchdown receptions. Post finished 17-of-26 passing for 208 yards.

Thomas More returns to action Nov. 3 when it hosts NCAA Division II member Lake Erie College at noon at BB&T Field in Crestview Hills.

THOMAS MORE 35, ST. SCHOLASTICA 0

Thomas More…… 7-13-2-13—35
St. Scholastica….. 0-0-0-0—0

Scoring Summary:
TM-Luke Zajac 2 yd run (Cole Mathias kick)
TM-D’marco Canty 17 yd pass from Justin Post (Cole Mathias kick)
TM-D’marco Canty 39 yd pass from Justin Post (Cole Mathias kick failed)
TM-TEAM safety
TM-D. Crenshaw 26 yd pass from Justin Post (Cole Mathias kick failed)
TM-Dillon Powell 9 yd run (Alex Barnhart kick)
RECORDS: Thomas More 6-2, St. Scholastica 4-3.

(Information compiled from Thomas More and staff reports)