Leavenworth, Kan. – The No. 24-ranked Friends University Falcons looked every bit the powerhouse they're projected to be in walloping the University of Saint Mary Spires 52-6 in the 2024 season opener tonight (Aug. 31) in Leavenworth, Kan.
The Falcons, the NAIA's top rushing team the past two seasons, again flexed their muscle on the ground with 464 total rushing yards.
Elias Pino (121 yards) and Nick Cordova (105 yards) led the charge on the ground with two touchdowns apiece.
It was Kaden Rigsby that put the Falcons on the board with a 56-yard touchdown burst at the 10:07 mark of the first quarter.
After Erick Covington threw a 65-yard touchdown to Michael Gazzana on the next possession for what proved to be the Spires only score of the night, Cordova broke free for a 51-yard gallop and then found paydirt from four yards out to make it 14-6 late in the first quarter.
Pino then scored from 41 yards out and K'Vonte Baker, the returning KCAC Player of the Year, scored his first touchdown of 2024 from 24 yards out that provided the Falcons a 28-6 cushion at the half.
The third quarter wasn't two minutes old when Pino used his speed to dart to the end zone for a 61-yard score that stretched the Falcon lead up to 35-6.
A 35-yard field by Cole Thompson came on the Falcons' next possession before Cordova added a 21-yard score and DJ Dingle closed out the big victory with his first career touchdown, a four-yard run with just 38 seconds left in the game.
"Always great to get a win on the road, especially in week one," said Friends football head coach Terry Harrison. "We were able to correct some first quarter mishaps and settle in to the flow of the game. It was also great to be able to play some younger guys the entire second half."
Following the Spires first quarter touchdown, the Falcon defensive unit tightened the screws and forced seven punts in shutting out Saint Mary the rest of the way.
Shamarius Davis led Friends with six tackles and Leshaon Davis had two sacks with one forced fumble. Samuel Becker also forced and recovered a fumble, while Cale Milleson came away with another fumble for the Falcons.
Covington threw for 219 yards on 13-of-28 passing and Gazzana finished with 128 receiving yards for the Spires.
The Falcons will next open the home portion of their schedule next Saturday evening (Sept. 7) for a key matchup vs. (RV) Ottawa University. Kickoff will be at 6 pm at Adair-Austin Stadium.
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