Running back Brenton Braddock’s three first half touchdowns lifted the St. Thomas football team to a 32-7 lead over Hobart (N.Y.) at halftime in an NCAA quarterfinal Saturday at O’Shaughnessy Stadium.

Both teams entered the game with 12-0 records in the first-ever meeting between the schools on the football field.

After the Tommie defense held the Statesmen to a three-and-out on their opening possession, defensive end Derek Vonnahme blocked punter Josh Neuss’ punt with cornerback Kyle Coyne recovering at the Hobart 5-yard line.

Two plays later, Braddock found the end zone from 4-yards out. Holder Dan Ferrazzo took the snap and scooted into the end zone for the two-point conversion, giving St. Thomas a 8-0 lead early in the first quarter.

The Tommies’ second possession began at the Hobart 32-yard line and ended in Braddock’s second rushing score of the quarter. Kicker Paul Graupner tallied the extra point, extending St. Thomas’ lead to 15-0 within the first six minutes of the game.

This marked the first time this season Hobart trailed by two touchdowns.

On fourth and short midway through the first quarter, Hobart running back Stephen Webb sprinted off left-tackle and outran three Tommie defenders 65 yards into the end zone, cutting the Tommie lead to 15-7. The Statesmen drive went 80 yards in four plays. It’s the longest rush this season by Hobart.

On the first play of the second quarter, Braddock burrowed his way in for his third touchdown, this time from five-yards out, giving St. Thomas a 22-7 lead.

Graupner added a season-best 42-yard field goal in the second quarter, giving the Tommies a 25-7 lead.

With 9.7 seconds remaining in the half, O’Connell found tight end Matt Allen for a 2-yard touchdown, extending the Tommie lead to 32-7 heading into halftime. The one-minute drive went 66 yards in eight plays.

It’s the first time Hobart has given up 30 points at halftime since 2001.

The Tommies outgained the Statesmen 222 yards to 118 yards.

St. Thomas will receive the second half kickoff.

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