Full Breakdown
Delaware State Hornets Dominate Saint Francis Red Flash in 39-10 Victory
9/21/2025, 12:31:46 AM
Game Overview
On September 20, 2025, the Delaware State Hornets secured a decisive 39-10 victory against the Saint Francis Red Flash at DeGol Field in Loretto, Pennsylvania. This win marked Delaware State's third consecutive victory, improving their record to 3-1, while Saint Francis fell to 0-4 in their final season as a Division I FCS program before transitioning to Division III.
Key Performers
Delaware State's running back James Jones was a standout player, rushing for 111 yards and scoring three touchdowns on just seven carries. His performance included a remarkable 90-yard run that contributed to the Hornets' commanding lead. Quarterback Kaiden Bennett also played a significant role, adding two rushing touchdowns and completing 7 of 18 passes for 85 yards. On the opposing side, Saint Francis quarterback Nick Whitfield Jr. threw for 265 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while running back Brendan Hodge led the Red Flash with 134 rushing yards.
Scoring Summary
Delaware State established an early lead with a 3-yard touchdown run by Marquis Gillis and a 1-yard touchdown by Jones, ending the first quarter at 13-0. The Hornets extended their lead to 20-0 with Jones's 90-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. Saint Francis managed to score a touchdown via a 1-yard pass from Whitfield to Kameron Chisholm, but Delaware State responded with additional touchdowns, including a fourth-and-goal run by Jones and a 21-yard touchdown run by Bennett, leading to a halftime score of 27-3.
Team Statistics
Delaware State dominated the ground game, accumulating 298 rushing yards out of a total of 383 yards. Their defense was effective, limiting Saint Francis to 0-8 on third downs and 3-5 on fourth downs. The Hornets' offensive strategy showcased their strength in rushing, averaging 282.3 yards per game, the best in the FCS.
Official Statements & Responses
Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson emphasized the importance of earning respect after being projected last in the preseason MEAC poll. He stated, “We got to go take everything we want and we got to go earn what we want in the end.” In contrast, Saint Francis head coach Chris Villarrial acknowledged the challenge posed by Delaware State's offensive capabilities, noting, “They've got a lot of weapons... This is a team that you got to play four quarters.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, some analysts pointed out that Delaware State's passing game could improve, as Bennett's performance was below average, completing only 39% of his passes. Critics argue that while the rushing attack is formidable, a more balanced offensive strategy could enhance their competitiveness in future games.
What's Next
Delaware State will look to extend their winning streak as they continue their road trip, while Saint Francis aims to regroup and find their first win of the season in upcoming matchups. The Hornets' recent success under Jackson may position them as a formidable contender in the MEAC as the season progresses.
