SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – The Lawrence Tech Blue Devils were back in action on Saturday as they traveled to Joliet, Illinois, to face the Saints of the University of St. Francis (Ill.). The Blue Devils entered the match following a tough week-one game at home against Saint Xavier University, which was ranked #8 in the country at the time. This week, the Blue Devils faced another challenge, visiting another top-25 team for the second week in a row. The Blue Devils entered the week-two match up with a 0-1 record, while the Saints were 1-0 after an impressive week-one performance in which they scored 70 points.

From the start, it was clear this would be a difficult match up for the Blue Devils. Both teams had a slow offensive start as the first quarter turned into a back-and-forth defensive battle. Neither team managed to score, and the game was tied 0-0 after the first quarter. After unsuccessful drives for both teams to start the second quarter, the Saints put points on the board early. Lawrence Tech lost the ball on their own goal line, leading to a safety as the Saints took a 2-0 lead with thirteen minutes remaining in the second quarter.

St. Francis followed up with a turnover on downs after failing to convert on a 4th-and-2, giving Ryan Schuster and the LTU offense a chance to build momentum. However, despite a few completions and a nice nine-yard scramble by Schuster, the Blue Devils fumbled the ball. The Saints had another opportunity to drive before the end of the half. They advanced the ball but fell short on third down and settled for a field goal, extending their lead to 5-0 with a little over three minutes remaining in the half. Lawrence Tech responded with a twelve-play drive, ending with a touchdown as quarterback Ryan Schuster connected with receiver Charlie Ward for a six-yard reception to take the lead with just 51 seconds left in the first half.

The first half wasn't over yet, as the Saints quickly responded with a 56-yard rushing touchdown, taking a 12-7 lead into halftime.

The second half proved challenging for LTU as they were outscored 27-0 in the third quarter and struggled to move the ball against the St. Francis defense. The Saints scored twice on the ground and twice through the air in the third quarter, building a comfortable 39-7 lead entering the fourth. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils, they couldn't rally in the final quarter, giving up another passing touchdown early and failing to score for the remainder of the game. The final score was 46-7.

The Blue Devils had difficulty moving the ball against a strong St. Francis defense, recording only 79 rushing yards and 90 passing yards. On the other hand, their defense allowed 325 rushing yards and 173 passing yards. Lawrence Tech will look to bounce back next Saturday when they host the Knights of Marian University, marking the third consecutive top-25 showdown for the Blue Devils this season. Coach Scott Merchant will aim to secure his first career win with LTU and the first win of the 2024 season next Saturday at 1 p.m. in Southfield, MI.