Tommies lead Oles at half

Running back Brenton Braddock’s 11-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter lifted No. 4 St. Thomas over St. Olaf 14-7 at halftime Saturday in O’Shaughnessy Stadium.

On the Tommies’ first possession, quarterback Matt O’Connell fumbled the snap and the Oles scooped up the ball. After going three-and-out, safety Tyler Erstad blocked kicker Lucas Wainman’s 38-yard field goal attempt.

With 6:59 remaining in the first quarter, quarterback Dan Dobson hit wide receiver Jake Schmiesing for an 8-yard touchdown, giving St. Olaf a 7-0 lead.

This marked the first time the Tommies have trailed in the first quarter this season.

St. Thomas answered back in the second quarter when O’Connell rolled out to his right and found tight end Matt Allen in the end zone, tying the score 7-7 with 11:39 left in the first half.

Braddock ran into the end zone breaking numerous tackles with 1:50 remaining in the half. Braddock had 103 yards rushing in the first half.

Wainman missed a 51-yard attempt to end the first half.

St. Thomas will receive the kickoff to open the second half.

Ross Schreck can be reached at schr8250@stthomas.edu.