Two first-half touchdowns from sophomore quarterback Matt O’Connell to junior wide receivers Dan Noehring and Kyle Whitley lifted the fourth-ranked Tommies to a 15-0 halftime lead on a brisk Saturday afternoon at home.

In the first quarter, the Tommies finished a seven-play, 71-yard drive with O’Connell hitting Noehring in the end zone, giving St. Thomas a 6-0 lead. Sophomore wide receiver Dan Ferrazzo ran in the successful fake extra point, putting the Tommies in front 8-0.

St. Thomas has scored on its first possession in all five games this season.

The Tommie defense limited the potent Gustie offense, led by senior quarterback Muresuk Mena and junior running back Jeffrey Dubose, to 40 yards on 29 plays in the first half.

With 42.3 seconds remaining in the half, O’Connell methodically moved the Tommies down the field with short passes. On the sixth play, O’Connell found Whitley in the right corner of the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown pass with 5 seconds remaining. Junior kicker Griffin Snyder’s extra point gave the Tommies a 15-0 lead at halftime.

Check back later for full game coverage.

Ross Schreck can be reached at schr8250@stthomas.edu.