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After first half of offensive fireworks, Thomas More defense dominates final 30 minutes in 31-28 win


NKyTribune staff

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — For the entire first half on Saturday night, big-play offenses dominated the game between Thomas More and Campbellsville.

During the final two quarters, Thomas More’s defense took over and ignited a 31-28 victory against Campbellsville at Finley Stadium.

Tied at 28-all going into halftime, with both teams scoring at will in a wild back-and-forth offensive shootout, Thomas More regrouped on the defensive side of the ball and held Campbellsville scoreless the final 30 minutes. The Saints allowed just 77 yards of total offense and three first downs in the second half.

Campbellsville’s Kendon Young (1) eludes a pair of Thomas More defenders in the first half. Young caught six passes for 167 yards, but Thomas More prevailed by a 31-28 score.

Thomas More also picked off Campbellsville quarterback Talaileva Sufia twice in the final 3:03 of the game, including an interception by Brian Manning that sealed the win.

The only scoring of the second half came when Alexander Haley connected on a 33-yard field goal with 3:23 to play in the third quarter to give Thomas More a 31-28 lead.

Thomas More featured a balanced offensive attack as quarterback Justin Post passed for 230 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints gained 268 yards on the ground, with Monalo Caldwell rushing for 155 yards. Thomas More wide receiver Da’marco Canty hauled in seven receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

Justin Durham added 74 yards on the ground for the Saints, while also pulling in two catches for 39 yards and a touchdown.

Senior linebacker Cody Coffey led the Thomas More defense with nine tackles and an interception. Sophomore linebacker Peyton Van Horn also recorded nine tackles, while junior linebacker Ryan Stofko finished with six tackles.

Thomas More improved to 3-3 overall, 1-1 in the Mid-South Conference Bluegrass Division. Campbellsville dropped to 1-5 overall, 0-3 in the Mid-South Conference Bluegrass Division.

Sufia passed for 297 yards and three touchdowns to lead Campbellsville. Kendon Young caught six passes for 167 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers, who own a 2-1 lead in the all-time series with the Saints. But Thomas More limited Young to just a pair of receptions in the second half.

Thomas More plays host to nationally ranked Lindsey Wilson at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at BB&T Field. The unbeaten Blue Raiders (6-0) are ranked No. 10 in the latest NAIA poll.

THOMAS MORE 31, CAMPBELLSVILLE 28
Score by quarter…. 1- 2- 3- 4- F
Thomas More…..….. 14 14 3 0—31
Campbellsville………. 7 21 0 0—28

Scoring Summary:
TMU-Justin Durham 30 yd pass from Justin Post (Alexander Haley kick)
CAMP-T. Sufia 1 yd run (Noah Bicksler kick)
TMU-Da’marco Canty 8 yd pass from Justin Post (Alexander Haley kick)
CAMP-Blake Baker 64 yd pass from T. Sufia (Noah Bicksler kick)
TMU-Monalo Caldwell 7 yd run (Alexander Haley kick)
CAMP-Zachary Cole 18 yd pass from T. Sufia (Noah Bicksler kick)
TMU-Da’marco Canty 35 yd pass from Justin Post (Alexander Haley kick)
CAMP-Kendon Young 43 yd pass from T. Sufia (Noah Bicksler kick)
TMU-Alexander Haley 33 yd field goal
RECORDS: Thomas More 3-3, 1-1 MSC; Campbellsville 1-5, 0-3 MSC

(Information compiled from Thomas More, Campbellsville and staff reports)


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