WICHITA, Kan. – 90-13. That's the combined score of the No. 24-ranked Friends University Falcons two victories this season after a 38-7 rout of the (RV) Ottawa University Braves in the 2024 home opener tonight (Sept. 7) in front of a full house at Adair-Austin Stadium.
Following a 500-yard rushing performance to open the season at the University of Saint Mary, the Falcons racked up 417 more yards on the ground tonight, led by 113 yards from Elias Pino.
"It was a great night for our program!" said Friends head coach Terry Harrison. "Always fun to see a big crowd here for the kids. Our guys absolutely deserve all the support!"
After the Braves scored on the opening drive of the game on a 33-yard pass from Taylor Eggers to Keavian Long, the Falcons got right to work when a 32-yard run by Jett Cheatham set up a six-yard scoring plunge by Pino to tie the score.
The Falcon defense was impenetrable from that point, starting with a 17-yard pick six by Braden Gordon on the Braves' next possession that put the Falcons on top to stay.
Pino then continued to grind away with 29 more yards on the ground before Nick Cordova paid it off with a 21-yard touchdown run to make it 21-7 with eight minutes left in the second quarter.
Friends continued to pound away, this time getting 32 yards from Laken Clowdus and then a two-yard score by K'Vonte Baker late in the period to take a commanding 28-7 lead into the halftime break.
Pino then wasted no time getting the Falcons going in the second half with a 77-yard run on the first drive of the second half that resulted in a 24-yard field goal by Cole Thompson.
By the 4:30 mark of the third quarter, Treylon Gross got in on the action with 35 rushing yards that put the Falcons in position for a two-yard score from backup quarterback DJ Dingle to put a strong closing statement on the victory.
In addition to Pino's 113 yards, seven other Falcons had at least 25 rushing yards, including 69 yards on the ground from Treylan Gross.
Austin Pratt also had one catch for 32 yards that helped setup the Falcons' third touchdown of the game.
Eggers threw for 101 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions and De'Anthony Curtis had 51 yards rushing for Ottawa (0-2).
Marquis Willoughby led the Falcons with seven tackles, with Andrew Arnold and Julian Herrera each posting 1.5 tackles for loss. Kasey Lehman and Braelyn Jay also each recorded an interception.
Thompson continued his solid start to the season, making all five of his extra point attempts along with the 24-yard field goal. The Round Rock, Texas native is now 12-of-12 on extra points and has hit both of his field-goal attempts this season.
Next up for the 2-0 Falcons is a trip to Kansas City, Mo. to face Avila University next Saturday (Sept. 14) at 1 pm.
