REDDING, Calif. — The Simpson football squad dropped a nail-biter against No. 11 in the nation, Carroll College, 45-31.
The Fighting Saints had a dominant first quarter as they outscored Simpson 21-3. Kaden Huot found Ethan Tripplett for the game's first score on a 38-yard touchdown pass. The Red Hawks answered with a field goal on the ensuing drive as Travis Ross drilled a 30-yard field goal.
But the Saints scored on their following two drives as Beau Butler ran the rock for a pair of touchdown runs of seven yards.
The Red Hawks offense found its groove in the second quarter as they found the end zone on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Ya'j Vance to Reef Lowell. Following a Saints touchdown, the Red Hawks marched 74 yards on 11 plays that saw them convert two huge third-down conversions. A 19-yard touchdown pass from Vance to Ivan Huerta capped off the drive to pull the Red Hawks within 11 heading into the half, 28-17.
Carroll College opened the second half with an electrifying 91-yard touchdown kickoff return. The Red Hawks found the end zone later in the second half on a 1-yard touchdown run by Jesse Day. However, the Saints answered with a four-play, 75-yard drive to make it a 42-24 game as the fourth quarter rolled around.
The Red Hawks reeled off a quick score as D'ante Benjamin broke through for a 42-yard touchdown run to pull within 11 points.
Simpson came up empty as back-to-back penalties stalled its drive on the 1-yard line, and they subsequently missed a 30-yard field goal attempt that would have pulled them within eight.
The Saints burned away three and a half minutes before settling for a 41-yard field goal to ice the game and escape Redding with the 45-31 victory.
D'ante Benjamin had a huge game on the ground as he rushed for 105 yards and one touchdown.
Ivan Huerta proved lethal through the air as he hauled in eight passes for 144 yards and one touchdown. Jakari Williams followed close behind with 83 yards on five catches.
On defense, William Weathington posted the Red Hawks' lone takeaway on a fourth-quarter interception. Mike MacNeill tallied six total tackles and one sack, while Dominique Ruff posted nine tackles.
The Red Hawks are back in action this Saturday as they take on Montana Western at 1:00 PM (MST).
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