POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Tak Tateoka showcased an impressive performance, accounting for four touchdowns as St. Thomas of Minnesota narrowly defeated the winless Marist team with a score of 39-32 on Saturday.

Tateoka connected with Jacob Wildermuth on a 21-yard touchdown pass, propelling the Tommies to a 25-18 lead late in the third quarter before adding a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth, extending their advantage to 32-18.

With just over four minutes remaining and holding an eight-point lead, the Tommies managed to stop Marist’s drive at their own 37-yard line. Shortly after, Gabriel Abel scored on a 15-yard touchdown run, bringing the Tommies’ lead to 39-24 with a little over two minutes on the clock.

The two-touchdown cushion was pivotal as Marist quarterback Sonny Mannino threw his fifth touchdown pass of the game, a 30-yard completion to Jake Ciolino with just 19 seconds left. A successful two-point conversion trimmed the deficit to seven points, but the Tommies recovered the ensuing onside kick and took a knee to secure the victory.

Mannino had a busy game, completing 25 of 46 passes for a total of 211 yards. Among his five touchdown passes, two went to Carter James.

On the opposing side, Tateoka had a solid outing, completing 16 of 21 throws for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Hope Adebayo also contributed significantly, rushing for 113 yards, helping the Tommies to improve their record to 3-3, with a 2-0 mark in the Pioneer Football League.

The Tommies jumped to an early 15-0 lead in the first quarter with a short touchdown run by Tateoka, followed by a touchdown pass and a successful two-point conversion.

The Red Foxes responded in the second quarter with three touchdown passes from Mannino. However, they faced challenges with two blocked extra-point attempts and a missed kick, leading to an 18-18 tie at halftime. The Red Foxes chose to go for two points after each of their two touchdowns in the second half.

This marked a significant moment for Marist (0-6, 0-3), as it was the first game this season where they scored 20 points or more. Additionally, they outperformed St. Thomas in total yards, gaining 344 yards compared to the Tommies’ 321.