SALEM, Virginia — Running back Jordan Roberts surpassed 2,000 rushing yards, but Mount Union came back from a 14-point deficit to secure a 14-14 tie at halftime in the 43rd Annual Stagg Bowl Friday night at Salem Stadium.

After both defenses controlled most of the first quarter, the Tommies (14-0 overall) finally broke through. An initial 23-yard incomplete pass from quarterback John Gould to tight end Charlie Dowdle in the back-right part of the end zone was overturned after a review ruled Dowdle maintained possession with one hand. The Tommies’ 7-0 lead with 5:03 left in the first quarter marked the largest deficit in the Purple Raiders’ (14-0 overall) season.

Gould wrapped up the first half with 38 yards completing three of his nine passes. Dowdle concluded the first half with 24 yards on two catches.

St. Thomas stuffed a Mount Union fake punt and took over with excellent field position on the Purple Raiders’ 34-yard line. After wearing down the defense, Roberts scored a 1-yard touchdown on fourth down to push St. Thomas up 14-0 with 10:59 left in the second quarter. Roberts rolled up 101 yards on 18 attempts.

Mount Union’s high-powered offense finally answered with a score of its own when quarterback Taurice Scott threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Lane Clark. This score was Clark’s second touchdown of the season with his first coming in the Purple Raiders’ quarterfinal victory over Wesley. Scott ended the first half with 72 yards and two touchdowns, completing seven of his 11 passes. Running back Logan Nemeth concluded the first half with 94 yards on 14 carries.

The Purple Raiders continued their offensive momentum when Scott connected with wide receiver Roman Namdar on a 29-yard touchdown pass. Namdar’s game-tying receiving touchdown was his 20th of the year, pushing him to the number one spot in the nation. Along with his touchdown, Namdar had 50 yards on three catches.

Jesse Krull can be reached at krul7386@stthomas.edu.