HILLBURN, N.Y. | Carlos Fernandez went for 89 all-purpose yards and a first-half rushing touchdown Friday night at Torne Valley Sports Complex, while senior quarterback Luke Sullivan was 18-for-32 passing for 200 yards and one touchdown for the St. Thomas Aquinas College Sprint Football team, which fell by a 33-12 count in its inaugural season finale to visiting Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.

 

The host Spartans (2-4) pulled to within a 14-6 deficit against the Mounties (4-3) midway through the second quarter, when Fernandez (15 rushes, 46 yds.) plunged into the end zone from three yards out. 

 

Mansfield ran off the next 19 points of the contest, before STAC pulled six back when Sullivan found Jimmy English on a 6-yard touchdown pass with 8:25 left in the final quarter of play.

 

English (60 yds.) and Fernandez (43 yds.) caught five passes apiece for head coach Matt Barry's side, who held the ball for 29:48 on offense. Mansfield held a 341-234 edge in total yards, while also converting 5-of-12 first downs and 4-of-5 red zone chances to provide the ultimate difference in the contest.

 

Kyle Teneyck (game-high-tying nine tackles; 2.0 TFL, 1.0 sacks) ends STAC's first season of play with team-highs of 7.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, while Edward Bracey picked up his team-best second interception against the Mounties. 

 

Sullivan ended the season with 1,162 yards passing and 10 touchdown passes, while English reeled in 16 passes for 135 yards. Prior to the contest, Sullivan and teammates Will Charon and Joe Tedesco were honored by the STAC staff and administrators during senior-night ceremonies.