ERIE, Pa. — In a thrilling comeback, Mercyhurst edged out St. Francis (Pa.) by a score of 21-20, thanks to two fourth-quarter touchdowns from Adam Urena to Cameron Barmore, along with a clever two-point conversion involving offensive lineman Ryan Welch. The decisive play came with just 42 seconds left on the clock.

Mercyhurst found itself in a challenging position, trailing 13-0 at one point in the game. However, before halftime, they managed to score an 18-yard field goal, reducing the deficit to 10 points.

The dynamic shifted in the fourth quarter when Barmore dashed from 10 yards to tie the game at 13. St. Francis quickly responded, orchestrating an impressive eight-play, 86-yard drive that culminated in a 45-yard touchdown pass from Nick Whitfield Jr. to Gavin Thomson, reclaiming the lead.

Following the touchdown by St. Francis, Mercyhurst kick-started their drive by returning the kick for 13 yards, before embarking on a meticulous 12-play drive. This culminated in a spectacular juggling catch by Barmore, as he caught a 29-yard pass in the end zone for another touchdown. The game-winner ensued shortly after, when Barmore, receiving a pass just shy of the goal line, cleverly pitched the ball to Welch, who sprinted in from about five yards out to secure the lead.

Urena completed 21 of his 33 passes for 240 yards, contributing two touchdowns to Mercyhurst’s victory. Barmore had an outstanding game, securing eight receptions for 129 yards.

On the other side, Whitfield also had a strong performance for St. Francis, throwing for two touchdowns and racking up 245 yards. Thomson was in fine form, catching nine passes for a total of 157 yards, including both touchdown receptions.