MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.- The Ave Maria University football team never got out of the starting blocks Saturday evening in Miami Gardens, falling behind 21-0 less than 150 seconds into the game en route to a 73-10 loss at the hands of the nationally-ranked St. Thomas University Bobcats at AutoNation Field in Miami Gardens. The loss drops the Gyrenes to 4-3 overall, while the Bobcats moved to 5-3.
Ave Maria found themselves in a major hole almost immediately, trailing 21-0 less than two and a half minutes into the game. The Bobcats went up 7-0 on a 55-yard touchdown run on their first drive, then scored touchdowns on a blocked punt and a fumble to take a 21-point lead. The Bobcats would take a 28-0 lead in the first quarter, scoring on a 79-yard touchdown pass on their second drive.
AMU's fourth offensive possession was a fruitful one, as the Gyrenes got on the board. Ave Maria put together a 13-play, 76-yard drive, with the biggest play a 37-yard pass from Drew Lege to DJ Van Horn. The Gyrene drive ended with a 31-yard field goal from Dayllon De Paula, cutting the St. Thomas lead to 28-3.
St. Thomas would add two more scores before the Gyrenes ended the first half on a high note, scoring a touchdown on another lengthy drive. On a 12-play drive that was twice extended due to STU penalties on interceptions, the Gyrenes finally cashed in with 12 seconds remaining in the half, when Lege found Jenkins to send the game to halftime 42-10.
The Bobcats would score 31 unanswered points in the second half to account for the final score. The Gyrenes did have some success moving the ball in the final 30 minutes, getting inside the St. Thomas 40-yard line on three occasions. However, none of these trips ended with points, ending twice on downs and once on a turnover.
Joshua Jenkins was an offensive highlight for the Gyrenes, hauling in eight catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. Bryan Stiemke rushed for 62 yards, and remained the national leader in rushing yards per game. Nate Hyman was Ave Maria's leading tackler in the losing effort, making eight tackles with five solo stops and a tackle for loss.
Ave Maria will face another major test next Saturday, when the Gyrenes play their final home game of the 2023 season. The Gyrenes will host Keiser University, who is ranked xth in the nation and is unbeaten in Sun Conference play. Kickoff from Gyrene Field is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. A green-out is encouraged for fans in attendance, and the AMU Football senior class will be honored pregame.
