Bulldogs fall to Saint Francis, 38-3, Saturday in Loretto

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University football team was held to just 158 yards of total offense and suffered its worst loss against a Northeast Conference opponent in program history on Saturday, falling 38-3 to Saint Francis U. at DeGol Field.

The Red Flash (4-3, 2-0 NEC) limited the Bulldogs (2-4, 1-1 NEC) to just one field goal, -9 rushing yards and a 1-for-12 conversion rate on third down. The loss is the second-straight for the Black and Gold and their first since 2013 against SFU.

It was all SFU on Saturday as the Red Flash defense buzzed around the field. SFU held the NECs leading passer, senior Dalton Easton (Miami, Fla.), to just 167 passing yards, intercepted him twice and turned three Bryant turnovers into 21 points.

The Red Flash struck first after Bryant fumbled the ball on its first possession of the game. SFU took over near midfield and benefited from a 15-yard penalty to drive 53 yards in just six plays. Kamron Lewis made a 24-yard reception to put the ball inside the 10 and Marcus Bagley capped the drive with a one-yard TD run.

SFU's defense continued to hold the Bulldogs at bay, allowing their offense to add another score in the second quarter. Zane Stewart intercepted Easton at the Bryant 26 and the Red Flash scored seven plays later. Wesley Nagaseu, a 310-pound nose tackle, capped the abbreviated drive with a one-yard TD plunge.

Bryant put its first and only points on the board in the third quarter when senior Ricky Perez (Miami, Fla.) knocked down a 32-yard field goal.

The Red Flash answered by scoring the final 24 points. Zack Drayer threw a 24-yard TD pass to Lewis and a four-yard TD pass to Marcus Allston before Lance Geesey hit a 31-yard field goal to make it 31-3. Jalen Wells capped the scoring with a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Drayer finished 19-of-31 for 197 yards and two touchdowns, while Lewis finished with 10 caches for 129 yards. Stewart added two sacks to his interception and Wells added eight tackles to his pick-6.

Freshman Jesse Nemerowicz (Hudson, Mass.) led Bryant with nine tackles, while redshirt sophomore Dillon Guthro (Newburyport, Mass.) posted four tackles and 1.5 sacks.

The Bulldogs return to Beirne Stadium next weekend when they host Wagner on Family and Friends Weekend. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.