Tommies win in overtime, end 13-year losing streak

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COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. — Ben Wartman scored the winning touchdown on a 10-yard run in overtime, as St. Thomas ended its 13-year jinx with a 27-26 victory Saturday over St. John’s.

St. Thomas was losing at halftime 10-7, with three turnovers and a missed field goal in the first half.

The Johnnies scored on the first drive of the game, marching 76 yards downfield and scoring on sophomore running back Harry Awe’s 2-yard rushing touchdown.

St. Thomas drove downfield on the ensuing possession with solid rushes from Wartman and Tracy, but the Tommies lost an opportunity to score when sophomore kicker Tim Albright missed a short field goal.

Junior quarterback Dakota Tracy threw an interception with 13:32 remaining in the second quarter. On the next Tommie drive, senior running back Ben Wartman fumbled a pitch from Tracy.

After the defense held the Johnnies to a three-and-out, Tracy threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to junior receiver Ricky Margarit, tying the score at 7-7 with 6:20 remaining.

Junior linebacker Willy Baregi recovered a Johnnie fumble late in the second quarter, but the Tommies gave it right back when the ball was snapped over Tracy’s head. The play led to a 26-yard field goal, giving the Johnnies a 10-7 lead at halftime.

The Tommies have 157 yards of total offense; the Johnnies have 153.

Junior defensive lineman Tony Danna leads the Tommies with eight tackles.

Miles Trump can be reached at mttaylorjohn@stthomas.edu.