Marist football just did something wild in Des Moines, Iowa, beating Drake 27-22 on Saturday, October 17. This wasn’t just another win, fam. This victory blasts the Red Foxes to a 3-0 start in the Pioneer Football League, putting them right at the top! It’s only the third time since 2009 they’ve pulled off a 3-0 PFL start, with the others coming in 2016 and 2021. And get this: it was only their second win EVER at Drake in seven tries. You know that road trip is tough.
The Red Foxes Clawed Their Way Back
Let’s talk about how this went down, because it was a nail-biter. Marist found themselves down 16-7 late in the second quarter. Tough spot, right? But the squad rallied HARD, dropping 17 consecutive points to snatch a 24-16 lead. Quarterback Sonny Mannino was huge, punching in his second 2-yard touchdown run of the game with just 49 seconds left before halftime, capping off a clutch 71-yard drive. Then in the third, after chewing up 64 yards on 13 plays, Luke Stenson nailed an 18-yard field goal to put Marist up 17-16. But the big bomb came early in the fourth when Mannino connected with Zach Garmont on a HUGE 57-yard touchdown pass, extending that lead to eight points. That’s how you come back from a deficit, putting your foot down and going for it!
Defense Seals the Deal, PFL Eyes Are Watching
Drake did manage to claw back with a fourth-quarter touchdown, but the Red Foxes defense held strong when it mattered most. The potential game-tying two-point try? Shut down. And our guy Luke Stenson wasn’t done for the day either, tacking on his second field goal, a 37-yarder, with five minutes left to secure that final 27-22 margin. Defensive back Chase Hatton was an absolute beast in those critical moments, not only breaking up that two-point pass but also putting the pressure on Drake QB Braylon Wils on their final snap from the Marist 16. That’s the kind of clutch play we love to see! With an overall record of 4-3 and sitting pretty at 3-0 in the PFL, it’s clear those lessons from a tough non-league schedule are paying dividends. The Red Foxes are on top of the PFL standings, and the rest of the league has to be looking over their shoulder.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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