As the Saints came marching in sporting brand new alternate Nike Pro Combat jerseys for their game against St Joe’s college, the stands were packed, players were ready, and the ball was kicked off to Siena.  Siena’s first drive was ended abruptly by a turnover via an interception. The Saints defense then comes onto the field to face a very quick Puma offense.  The Pumas drove down to the 3 yard line and completed an outside run for a touchdown.  The Saints were back on offense hoping for a momentum boosting drive to keep them driving early in the game. As Siena attempted to punt, Pumas outside lineman blocked the punt and gave the Pumas great field position.

Taking advantage of the great field position, the Pumas went on to score.  The offense then got the break they needed when the Pumas fumbled on the punt return and Siena recovered the ball.  After Siena made their way to the Puma’s 35 yard line, the Saints fumbled on 3rd down and the ball is turned over.  The Saints’ defense stopped the Pumas on 3rd down and the Pumas settled for a field goal to make the score 17-0 right before half time.

Coming out of the locker room, the Saints looked fired up and ready to take it to the Pumas on their home opener.  The Saints’ defense caused the Pumas to go 3 and out which gave way to Siena’s offense going on a drive down the field into Puma territory.  Siena lined up on the 4 yard line after a great drive, wide receiver number 13 Raphael Dunson made a leaping dive into the end zone to score Siena’s first touchdown.  After Siena’s defense stopped St. Joe’s in Siena territory, the Pumas attempted to punt. The punter pulled the ball and ran it for a first down.

The Saints’ defense was back on the field and did cause the Pumas to punt after a non-successful drive.  The Saints again were successful in their offensive drives.  The defense stopped the Pumas on the Saints’ own 25 yard line, but on 4th down the Pumas completed a field goal making the score 20-7.  After the kick off, the Saints’ offense had another turnover by an interception, the defense again returned to the field.  After successful run plays, the Pumas were on Siena’s 9 yard line when they completed a quick outside pass that they scored off of, making the score 27-7.  Siena’s offense again took over after they received the kick, they drove all the way down to the Pumas’ 5 yard line where, once again, another interception was thrown.  The momentum of the Siena Heights Saints was crushed as their hopes to come back and possibly score to keep their goals of winning alive.

The Saints ended the game with their exhausted defense on the field. The Saints are preparing for their next opponent which is Olivet-Nazerene. The Saints’ hope for a playoff appearance is not gone because they still have all of their conference games to play.  Junior defensive back Anthony Saurine has a few words for us after the game, “Last game was tough because we really thought we were prepared and ready but got down early and it was hard to rebound from their hot start.  Especially with the be week and it being homecoming next week i think can really bring it Olivet-Nazerine.  As for the rest of the season were just getting into league play and all of us know what we need to be able to do to win these big games along with winning our conference.”