CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Mount St. Joseph University football team remained unbeaten on Saturday afternoon, defeating Adrian College 35-24 at Schueler Field. Senior quarterback Jaxon Schreiber threw for 313 yards and five touchdowns, while the Lions' defense limited the Bulldogs to just 36 rushing yards as the Mount improved to 3-0 on the season.
The Lions opened the scoring on their first offensive possession, marching 80 yards on 13 plays. Facing fourth-and-goal from the Adrian six-yard line, Schreiber connected with Eli Aston for a touchdown to give the Mount an early 7-0 advantage.
The Mount extended its lead early in the second quarter, putting together another lengthy scoring drive. This time, the Lions covered 87 yards in 10 plays, capped off by an 11-yard touchdown pass from Schreiber to Michael Hunkus. The score gave MSJ a 14-0 lead with 13:04 remaining in the first half.
Adrian would respond with a pair of touchdowns in the final two minutes of the half. The Bulldogs first found the end zone on a seven-yard touchdown pass from Jake Wright to Braiden Whitaker before tying the contest with just 22 seconds remaining on a 22-yard touchdown reception by Easton Srebnik. The two teams entered the locker room deadlocked at 14-14.
The Lions wasted little time reclaiming control in the third quarter. Following a defensive stop, the Mount took over near midfield and needed just two plays to regain the lead. Schreiber connected with Aston for a 43-yard touchdown, putting MSJ back in front 21-14 with 11:15 remaining in the quarter.
After the Lions' defense forced another Adrian punt, the Mount put together its third scoring drive of at least 80 yards. MSJ marched 81 yards on 13 plays, taking more than seven minutes off the clock before Schreiber found Dallas De La Cruz for a three-yard touchdown. The score extended the Lions' advantage to 28-14 heading into the final quarter.
Adrian cut the deficit to 28-17 with a 25-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, but the Mount's defense delivered another crucial play to help put the game away. With the Bulldogs facing third down deep in their own territory, the Lions forced and recovered a fumble, taking possession at the Adrian 36-yard line.
Five plays later, Schreiber connected with Elias Wheeler for a 15-yard touchdown pass, his fifth of the afternoon, giving the Mount a 35-17 advantage with 6:09 remaining.
Adrian added a late touchdown on a one-yard run by Trey Brueggemann, but the Lions recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the remaining time to secure the 35-24 victory.
Schreiber finished the afternoon completing 25 of 39 passes for 313 yards and five touchdowns while adding 89 yards on the ground. Aston led the receiving corps with six catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns, while Hunkus hauled in six receptions for 91 yards and a score. De La Cruz added 84 rushing yards on 21 carries and caught three passes for 25 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Hunter Sohns recorded a sack, while Jason Oprisek forced the pivotal fourth-quarter fumble that was recovered by Tristan Tincher. Brady Blevins also came away with an interception in the first quarter.
The Lions finished with 507 yards of total offense, including 194 rushing yards, while holding Adrian to 328 total yards. MSJ converted seven of its 13 third-down opportunities and all three of its fourth-down attempts.
