The Westminster Blue Jays allowed three touchdowns in the first quarter and fell to St. Scholastica 48-18 Saturday at Priest Field.
The high-scoring Upper Midwest Athletic Conference affair featured 10 touchdowns, 803 total yards and three turnovers between the two teams. Three different Saints scored in the first starting with junior Ben Buthe's one-yard scoring run at the nine minute, and five second mark.
On the ensuing drive the Blue Jays' (1-2, 1-1 UMAC) punt was blocked and was returned to their four-yard line. Senior running back Jack Peru pushed it on the next play to take a commanding 13-0 lead.
Sophomore quarterback Zach Edwards was then able to connect with senior wide receiver Hunter Thompson for a 24-yard touchdown which essentially put the game out of reach.
Senior quarterback Trent White finished 13-of-26 for 168 yards and touchdown passes of 31 and nine yards. Redshirt senior Chase Abbington led the Blue Jays in rushing and receiving.
He finished with 19 carries and 66 yards including a one yard touchdown to go along with five catches and 93 yards and a 31-yard touchdown catch.
Junior Matt Quarles caught a nine yard touchdown pass and finished with 117 total yards on four catches, three punt returns, and one kick return.
Edwards lit up the Blue Jays for 325 yards and touchdown passes of 24, 90, and 11 yards on an 11-of-24 afternoon that included an interception.
Westminster will continue UMAC play with a road game against Northwestern at 12 p.m. Saturday.