Spires Fall Short in Heartbreaking Homecoming Clash Against Ottawa University, 33-30

OTTAWA, KAN. - The University of Saint Mary Spires football team played a thrilling match against Ottawa University, narrowly losing 33-30 in a game that was decided in the final minutes. Despite a valiant effort, the Spires were unable to spoil Ottawa's homecoming, with the game coming down to the last two drives.

The Spires found themselves down 33-30 with less than three minutes left in the fourth quarter. They began an aggressive drive, looking to regain the lead. However, a fumble ended their hopes, giving Ottawa possession. With time on their side, Ottawa managed to clinch the game by converting two crucial first downs, including one from an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Saint Mary.

Scoring Recap: Ottawa opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run by Jordan Clay, giving them a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter. Saint Mary responded swiftly with Raymond Webster breaking free for a 42-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7.

In the second quarter, Ottawa regained the lead after another touchdown run by Clay, but a missed extra point left the score at 13-7. It didn't take long for Saint Mary to counter, as Erick Covington connected with Michael Gazzana on a 69-yard touchdown pass, putting the Spires ahead 14-13.

The third quarter saw both teams exchanging blows. Ottawa's Jordan Clay scored his third rushing touchdown, but their two-point conversion attempt failed, making it 19-14. Saint Mary answered back with Raymond Webster scoring his second touchdown of the day on a 12-yard run, putting the Spires up 21-19. A 31-yard field goal by Josh Bingham extended their lead to 24-19. However, Ottawa closed the quarter with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Taylor Eggers to De'Anthony Curtis, retaking the lead 25-24.

The drama continued into the final quarter. Raymond Webster's third touchdown, an 8-yard run, gave Saint Mary a 30-25 lead. However, Ottawa's Jordan Clay struck again, this time with an 8-yard run followed by a successful two-point conversion, putting the Braves ahead 33-30.

Key Performances:

• Raymond Webster: The Spires' standout running back was a force, rushing 18 times for 116 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry.
• Erick Covington: Threw a 69-yard touchdown pass on his only completion, making a significant impact in limited action.
• Cesar Vela: Completed 9 of 17 passes for 156 yards, helping move the ball effectively throughout the game.
• Michael Gazzana: Tallied 89 receiving yards on 3 catches, including the game-long 69-yard touchdown grab.
• Davien Norman: Led the team with 95 receiving yards on 5 receptions.

Defensive Efforts: The Spires' defense had notable contributions from players like Jaxon Curtis, who led the team with 11 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Hunter Hendricks also made key plays with 8 tackles and a tackle for loss, while Sam Taylor added 8 tackles.

Up Next:

The Spires's overall record is now 1-5 and they will host Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday, October 26th at 1pm.