CINCINNATI, Ohio — September 13, 2025 — Mount St. Joseph football left everything on the field Saturday afternoon, going toe-to-toe with perennial power Aurora University before falling 35-28 in front of a lively Schueler Field crowd.
Aurora struck first and built an early 14-0 lead, but the Lions refused to back down. Quarterback Jaxon Schreiber orchestrated a series of precise drives, finding rhythm with his receiving corps to claw the Lions back into the game. By halftime, MSJ had cut the deficit to 21-13, setting the stage for a second-half shootout.
The Lions delivered their best punch coming out of the break. Schreiber connected with Eli Aston for a touchdown that evened the score at 21-21, sending energy surging through the MSJ sideline. Later, when Aurora responded, the Lions answered with fireworks of their own as Steven Napier turned a short route into a breathtaking 59-yard scoring strike that tied the contest again in the fourth quarter.
Schreiber's stat line reflected his command of the offense — 31 completions on 53 attempts for 341 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Michael Hunkus was a constant target, hauling in eight passes for 106 yards and two scores, while Aston's eight receptions and Napier's explosive playmaking gave MSJ balance across the field.
Defensively, the Lions had their moments as well. A key interception from Brady Pierce in the second quarter kept Aurora from extending its lead, Pierce also had a team-high 8 tackles (6 solo). Logan Julian also had an interception and 7 tackles in the game. The defense put together several late stops gaving the offense opportunities to mount a comeback.
Ultimately, Aurora's ability to strike with big plays proved decisive. The Lions' final push in the fourth quarter came up just short, leaving MSJ a single possession away from forcing overtime.
Though the result went Aurora's way, the Lions showed resilience and firepower that promise much for the weeks ahead. With conference play looming, MSJ will look to build on the confidence gained from trading blows with one of the nation's most consistent offensive programs.
The Lions return to action next week on the road at #15 Hope, that game is scheduled to kickoff at 1:00 PM in Holland, Michigan!
