Ave Maria University football defeated Trinity (FL) 45-7 on Sept. 27 at Gyrene Field in Ave Maria, Florida, producing its highest point total in a game since 2023. The Gyrenes scored on their second offensive play and led 30-7 at halftime before adding 15 points in the second half.
Ave Maria finished with 455 total yards, including 272 rushing yards and 183 passing yards. The Gyrenes converted 8 of 16 third-down opportunities, while Trinity (FL) finished with 114 total yards, including 46 rushing yards and 68 passing yards.
Joseph Thole Leads Ave Maria Offense
Joseph Thole completed 12 of 23 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. His first touchdown pass covered 28 yards to Joshua Raphael, and the pair connected again on an 18-yard scoring play in the second half.
Raphael caught four passes for 60 yards and scored the first collegiate touchdown of his career, according to the source. Oliver Neiman added a 22-yard touchdown reception for the first collegiate touchdown of his career.
Ave Maria also established its rushing attack early. Logan Howard opened the first scoring drive with a 32-yard run, Reggie McBride scored on a five-yard touchdown run and Javien Durham led the Gyrenes with 61 rushing yards on 11 carries. Isaiah Thomas added a six-yard touchdown run, which marked the first collegiate touchdown of his career.
Gyrenes Force Three Turnovers
Ave Maria recorded three turnovers in the victory. Gabe Escalera had an interception and recovered a fumble, while Michael Wright added an interception.
Escalera’s interception was his first of the season. Marco Casci also recorded two tackles for loss totaling six yards.
Trinity (FL) scored its only touchdown in the second quarter when Tyquan Wiggins ran nine yards for the score. Brody Dalton made the extra point, cutting the Ave Maria lead to 13-7 before the Gyrenes scored three more times before halftime.
Jake Matigian Matches Field-Goal High
Jake Matigian made three of four field-goal attempts, matching his career high for field goals in a game. He connected from 30 yards in the second quarter, 37 yards in the third quarter and 30 yards in the fourth quarter.
The game was delayed after the second-quarter field goal when a Trinity (FL) player experienced a medical event and was flown off the field. The source provided no name or further medical details. During the delay, Ave Maria supporters prayed as a group and in a session led by Father Joseph Lugalambi, the university’s director of campus ministry.
Trinity (FL) elected to continue the game after the delay and received a standing ovation when it returned to the field. Ave Maria scored a touchdown, a field goal and a safety in the second half before Matigian’s final field goal completed the scoring.
Ave Maria Opens Sun Conference Play
The victory improved Ave Maria to 2-2 and completed its nonconference schedule. The 45 points were the most scored by Ave Maria in a game since 2023.
The Gyrenes open Sun Conference play Saturday, Oct. 3, against the No. 10 St. Thomas Bobcats, who are 4-0. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game will be streamed on the Sun Digital Network.
FSB Take
Ave Maria combined 455 total yards with three turnovers in its 45-7 victory over Trinity (FL). Thole’s three touchdown passes, Raphael’s two touchdown receptions and Matigian’s three field goals highlighted the performance. The Gyrenes now begin Sun Conference play against an unbeaten St. Thomas Bobcats team.
Source: Original report