Two rushing touchdowns by sophomore running back Shawn Shipman pushed the St. Thomas football team to a 26-3 lead over Michigan Tech at halftime of the Tommies’ home opener Saturday at O’Shaughnessy Stadium.

This is the second meeting between the Tommies (0-1, 0-0 Pioneer League) and the Huskies (1-0, 0-0 Great Lakes), who last faced each other on Sept. 10, 2021 in both teams’ 2021 season opener. The Tommies defeated the Huskies 12-9, earning their first win at the Division I level.

With sophomore running back Hope Adebayo out for the game, the Tommies have asked other players to step up offensively. And step up they have.

The Tommies started the game strong, as Shipman rushed for a 1-yard TD that was set up by a 58-yard run by him just three plays earlier.

Despite the fast start, the Huskies responded with a field goal on their first drive to bring the score within three. However, the Tommie squad tightened up soon after, totaling 208 yards on offense and holding the Huskies to just 82 yards.

An interception of senior quarterback Cade Sexauer’s pass by Michigan Tech sophomore defensive back Sam Ahern early in the second quarter might have turned the offensive tables back toward the Huskies, but the St. Thomas defense made a quick stop and forced a punt.

It was the Tommies’ special teams that brought the most exciting play of the game thus far: a blocked punt by first-year linebacker Ryan Sever that led to St. Thomas touchdown.

Sever blocked the hall into the endzone, allowing the Tommies to recover it for a score.

Shipman’s second score came with 19 seconds left in the half on another short rush to the endzone. He ended the half with 120 yards rushing, averaging 7.4 yards per carry.

Cam Kauffman can be reached at kauf8536@stthomas.edu.