[Football] Polk's Defensive Touchdown Seals Football Falcons' 44-38 win Over Saint Mary

WICHITA, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons forced five turnovers to help offset 472 total yards by the University of Saint Mary Spires in a 44-38 victory today (Oct 27) at Adair-Austin Stadium.

The Falcons held a late 37-31 lead, but the Spires were driving and threatening to take the lead before Javon Polk (SR/Senatobia, Miss.) came up with a crucial play. 

With USM at the Friends 35, Polk forced a fumble, recovered it and rumbled 65 yards to the end zone that again gave the Falcons a double-digit cushion of 44-31 with just 2:46 remaining.

The Spires wouldn't go quietly and scored again on another score from Cortez to Smith with 1:04 left.

But the Falcons hung firm and recovered the onside kick to hang on for the victory.

The Falcon defensive unit produced the first points of the day when Drake Damon (SO/Goddard, Kan. ) recovered a fumble and returned it five yards for a touchdown at the 2:44 mark of the first quarter.

That's when both offenses got rolling, as Drew Cortez put Saint Mary in front with a 12 yard score to Demontrel Wilson just over a minute into the second quarter.

The Brennan Whitaker (SR/Iowa Park, Texas) and Blake Crandall (SR/Winfield, Kan. ) connection then heated up for the Falcons, with the duo producing a four yard touchdown that put Friends back in the lead, 13-7.

That score was set up on a 30 yard completion from Whitaker to Blair Perry (SR/Sarasota, Fla.) that set the Falcons up at the USM one yard line.

Following a three yard score from receiver Zacch Smith to Bryan Barnhart that gave the Spires the lead back, Whitaker found Crandall again, this time in the right corner of the end zone for a 15 yard touchdown that made it 20-14 with 5:53 left in the half.

The Falcons then pinned the Spires deep in their own territory and forced a three and out that resulted in terrific field position at the USM 23.

Friends took full advantage, going up 27-14 late in the half on a 10 yard touchdown from Whitaker to Datryan Evans (JR/Victoria, Texas) on third and goal.

The Spires came out of the locker room strong, scoring on their first possession of the third quarter before kicking a 32 yard field goal on their ensuing drive to trim the Falcon edge to just 27-24 with still 8:51 left in the period.

Friends came up with an answer when Whitaker hit Cade Nagy (FR/Broken Arrow, Okla. ) for a big 64 yard completion down to the Spire 11 yard line. 

The drive stalled, but Nick Navarro (FR/Wichita, Kan. ) booted a 26 yard field goal to push the lead back to six at 30-24.

The Falcon defense then made a stand, getting sacks from Robert Garcia (SO/Wichita, Kan.) and Javon Polk to force a three and out at the 3:01 mark of the third.

Friends then went on a nine play, 59 yard drive that was capped with the Falcons' receiver throwing a touchdown pass of his own, as Blair Perry hit Marshall McShan (SO/Millville, NJ) for a seven yard score to push the lead back to double-figures at 37-24.

After both teams exchanged punts, the Spires struck quick on a 48 yard touchdown pass from Cortez to Smith that shaved the Falcon lead down to 37-31 with 10:13 left.

Whitaker was efficient for the Falcons behind center, throwing for 205 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Noah Diaz (SO/Sun Prairie, Wis.) rushed for a game-high 89 yards on 18 carries for Friends, with Crandall catching five passes for 44 yards.

Cortez had 428 yards passing for USM and four touchdowns, but was picked off three times.

Barnhart caught nine passes for 164 yards for the Spires, with Smith hauling in eight catches for 118 yards.

The Falcons got eight tackles from Desean McKinnon (SR/Mansfield, Texas), Christian Ryan (SO/Grapevine, Texas) and Adam Brown (FR/Wichita, Kan. ), with Ryan, Quinton Draine (FR/Cross Roads, Texas) and Sonny Brown (SO/Wichita, Kan.) each recording an interception.

Friends will next host Bethel College in their home finale next Saturday (Nov. 3), with kickoff set for 1 pm.