NORTHFIELD, Minn.- Touchdowns of 54, 56 and 79 yards orchestrated by sophomore quarterback Matt O’Connell lifted fifth-ranked St. Thomas to a 20-10 halftime lead over Carleton College at Laird Stadium Saturday, Sept. 29.

On the Tommies’ first play from scrimmage, O’Connell hit sophomore wide receiver Dan Ferrazzo on a bubble-screen for a 79-yard touchdown down the left sideline, with St. Thomas junior fullback Willie Schneider’s two-point conversion rush attempt no good.

Carleton got on the board at 6-3 with a 27-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Kyle Kasten, capping off a seven-play drive.

With 1:22 remaining in the 1st quarter, freshman running back Brenton Braddock ran 54 yards off right tackle into the end zone to give the Tommies a 13-3 lead.

Early in the second quarter, Carleton’s freshman punter Nathan Potter hit junior wide receiver Chase Gottschalk for a 53-yard touchdown on a fake, catching St. Thomas off guard, leaving the score at 13-10.

The Tommies struck back on their next drive, with O’Connell scampering down the left sideline 56 yards for the score, giving the Tommies a 20-10 advantage.

Carleton received the ball to open the second half.

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