CANTON, Ohio – Mount St. Joseph University closed its 2025 football season Saturday evening in the Extra Points Bowl, falling to Westminster (Pa.) 40–21 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The match up marked MSJ's fourth straight postseason-style appearance and its first-ever selection to the Opendorse Bowl Series.
Westminster established early momentum, and the Lions were forced to battle from behind throughout the night. MSJ finished with 288 total yards, with quarterback Jaxon Schreiber throwing for 337 yards.
The Lions' receivers provided some of the game's biggest highlights. Eli Aston recorded 6 receptions for 121 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown and a 30-yard touchdown catch while being triple-teamed. Michael Hunkus added 3 receptions for 84 yards, highlighted by a spectacular 65-yard touchdown grab.
Defensively, the Lions were anchored by Brady Pierce, who totaled 10 tackles and two tackles for loss. Miles Harding added 9 tackles, while Luke Paff contributed 7 tackles, one tackle for loss, and a QB hurry, helping settle the defense in the second half.
Following the game, head coach Tyler Hopperton reflected on the growth of his young team and the identity they built over the course of the season. When asked what stood out about how the group adapted despite losing key contributors in recent years, Hopperton emphasized the team's mindset:
"I think this year these guys were tired of hearing about being a young team and tired of hearing about people who don't play on our team anymore. Especially now that the season is over, that was definitely the thing all offseason and halfway through this season, these guys proved they're the new contributors and the new big impact guys."
Hopperton highlighted the large number of returning players and the hunger already building for next season:
"Over 90% of the guys you saw tonight will kick off next September for us. So we're excited about where we're going, and not just because they're talented and have experience. Luke Paff is already talking about the weight room program and that he better get busy. That's why I'm excited. Not just the talent coming back, but the guys who understand and challenge me because they know what we've done isn't good enough."
He also credited the culture and people within the program:
"Nobody wanted excuses about who we lost or who's still here, but it all starts with special people. We've had a lot of special people over the last four years, but we have a lot of special people coming back. That's where our past success has come from, and that's where our future success will come from. I'm confident with who we've got in that regard."
MSJ players Luke Paff and Eli Aston also spoke about the significance of competing in the program's first bowl game. Aston said:
"The hospitality… getting to go to the Hall of Fame stadium, having a nice dinner, being treated nice, getting some gear. Overall it was just a cool experience and I can't complain too much."
Paff added:
"I'm a big food guy, and the dinner was good. A lot of people on this team have never been to the Hall of Fame, so it was a cool experience to see that and all the new inductees. We just gotta be better."
The Lions conclude the 2025 season with a 6–5 record and their first-ever bowl appearance, continuing the program's run of postseason success and setting the stage for a strong, experienced 2026 campaign.
