Saint Francis Posts First Victory Over FBS in Battle of the Flashes

The Saint Francis Red Flash started strong offensively and used that advantage to post the school’s first victory over an FBS opponent. The Red Flash jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first half and held on to win 23-17 over the Kent State Golden Flashes.

Jeff Hoenstine made his first career start with week one starter Nick Whitfield sidelined by an injury. Hoenstine didn’t have overwhelming stats finishing 11 of 22 for 195 yards and a touchdown pass but he made smart plays when needed. He also ran 10 times for 50 yards and a touchdown with several runs that extended the drive. The Red Flash started the scoring with a field goal and the team’s third drive was one of those smart plays by Honestine. He kept the ball on a read-option and was able to dash into the end zone to make it a 10 lead.

First collegiate quarter ➡️ First collegiate TD pic.twitter.com/7UlKmgtVwT

— Saint Francis Football (@RedFlashFB) September 7, 2024

After a couple of defensive stops, including one by Saint Francis inside their own red zone, the scoring came in a flurry from both teams. The Red Flash made it 17-0 when a busted coverage saw Gavin Thompson all alone for an easy jaunt into the end zone. Thompson would finish the game with 5 catches for 124 yards and the score as the game’s leading receiver. Kent State responded with two touchdowns on either side of a second Saint Francis field goal to cut the deficit to 20-14 at halftime.

The second half was defensive but not without some momentum swings. Saint Francis started the half with a field goal to extend their lead to 23-14 while the defense made life tough for Kent State’s offense. Early in the fourth quarter, Hoenstine fumbled a shotgun snap that was recovered by Kent State giving them a jolt of energy and putting them on the doorstep of the end zone three plays later. However, the defense clutched up by deflecting a pass and intercepting it in the end zone to maintain the 9-point advantage.

TREY AND SEMAJ COME UP CLUTCH 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jQZu9ciEtV

— Saint Francis Football (@RedFlashFB) September 7, 2024

Kent State would make things uncomfortable late in the game when they missed a touchdown pass in the end zone. The Golden Flashes settled for the field goal to make it 23-17 but could not recover the onside kick. The win gave Saint Francis its first win in four tries against FBS opponents and was just the second win over the FBS for the Northeast Conference since the NEC started in 1996. The Red Flash had previously lost to Eastern Michigan in 2021, Arkon in 2022, and Western Michigan in 2023.

The Red Flash have another FBS opponent this season when they travel to play at Eastern Michigan on Saturday, September 21. Before that, Saint Francis will have its home and NEC opener next week versus Central Connecticut State.

Photo Credit to Saint Francis University Athletics