The Hawks stayed perfect on the road (50) this season, defeating Saint Francis 4845. This win improves their record to 54, 42 in the Northeast Conference (NEC).
The offense scored the most points they had in a single game all season. MU found many different ways to score in this one. The offense moved the ball effectively on the ground and through the air. They racked up 466 total yards. The rushing attack accounted for 150 yards. Quarterback Craig Peterson threw for 316 yards.
“It was an incredible effort by our offense, they just wouldn’t be denied. They retook the lead every time we relinquished it,” said Head Coach Kevin Callahan. “It was an outstanding effort by Craig Peterson and our receivers did a nice job. I really liked the way Julian Hayes carried the ball and how hard he ran.”
Peterson completed 20 of 29 passing attempts. He threw two touchdowns and was intercepted once. Both touchdown passes came in the second quarter, hitting Tristan Roberts for 12 yards and Neal Sterling for 58.
Julian Hayes continued his strong freshman campaign. He carried the ball 26 times for 128 yards and four touchdowns. That brings his season total to 654 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Halfway through the third quarter, wide receiver Mitchell Pollard made a game-changing play on special teams. He fielded a punt, crossed the field, and raced 52 yards for a touchdown. This was the first punt return touchdown by a Monmouth Hawk since 2002 against Robert Morris. For his effort, Pollard was named the College Football Performance Award’s National Punt Returner of the Week.
Pollard also made some plays as a wide receiver. Peterson found Pollard five times for 53 yards. Pollard also got a chance on a rushing play, but only gained three yards.
The Hawks’ defense did not play their best in this game. They weren’t able to put much fear into the Red Flash passing attack. John Kelly, Saint Francis quarterback, wasn’t sacked all game.
The defense was able to create a turnover from Kelly. Patrick Gray continued his impressive freshman season, tallying his fourth interception of the season and returning it 19 yards. Gray made six tackles in addition to his interception.
Jose Gumbs led the defense in tackles, bringing down the opponent 11 times. Gumbs also forced a fumble and recorded one-and-a-half tackles for loss.
Saint Francis running back Kyle Harbridge was a nightmare for the Blue and White defense. Harbridge carried the ball 29 times for 197 yards and three touchdowns. He also grabbed three receptions for 25 yards to help the passing game. Harbridge helped the Red Flash even more as a kick returner, catching two kicks and gaining 42 yards.
Terrace Bourne applied pressure for the Red Flash on Saturday. Bourne was able to get after Peterson for two sacks to go along with his eight tackles.
Monmouth is tied, with Bryant, for third in the NEC. Albany and Duquesne sit atop the conference, tied at 51. Monmouth hosts Albany this week and has a chance to catch them in the standings with a victory. The first nine games of this season, however, do not show the Hawks having much of a home field advantage. To go along with their perfect 50 record on the road, MU is winless at home with an 04 record.
Duquesne travels to Sacred Heart to battle the fifth placed Pioneers in an important NEC game. A Duquesne loss would keep the Hawks’ chances alive for a conference championship.
The Albany game on Saturday is set for a 12:00 pm kickoff at Kessler Field.
