Quarterback A.J. Gilford (R-Fr./Savannah, Ga.) threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as Saint Augustine’s University enjoyed a satisfying 35-7 non-conference football victory over Stillman College at John H. Baker Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2013.

The Falcons (1-2 overall) were impressive against a strong team from the traditionally tough SIAC conference in winning their home opener. Stillman (2-1 overall) received a vote in the latest AFCA Division II Coaches Top 25 poll after two impressive victories but were no match for the high-flying Falcons, whose win erased the sting of two previous defeats in which they were competitive in both games.

“We knew they were a good football team,” said St. Aug Head Coach Michael Costa, whose Falcons are 2-0 against SIAC teams since 2010. “We didn’t want to blow it or give them the opportunity where they would have any momentum. We were able to take them out of their comfort zone.”

Meanwhile, the Falcons were in their comfort zone. Playing at home for the first time this season, the Falcons were sharp. Gilford tossed touchdown passes to Brian Richards (R-Sr./Waldorf, Md.) and Herman Reaves (R-Jr./Miami, Fla.) for 32 and 15 yards, respectively, in addition to scoring on a three-yard run. Roderick Davenport (So./Orangeburg, S.C.) was a workhorse for the Falcons as he churned out 74 yards including a one-yard touchdown run.

Defensively, the Falcons kept the high-scoring Tigers out of the end zone for the first time in three games. The Tigers returned the first of four St. Aug interceptions for their only score.

NCAA Division II tackles leader Chaz Robinson (Sr./Hampton, Va.) recorded 10 tackles and blocked two punts, the second which Carlton Butts (Jr./Thomasville, Ga.) scooped up for a 10-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter for the final margin. Standout defensive end Javarous Faulk (Sr./Macon, Ga.) made an immediate impact in his first action this season, adding 10 tackles and a sack. The defensive line, led by defensive tackle Shonquez Nelson (Sr./Lake City, S.C.) harassed the Stillman quarterbacks all day. Nelson had three of the Falcons’ six sacks. Linebacker Elijah Evans (R-So./College Park, Ga.) compiled seven tackles.

The Falcons held Stillman to 192 total offensive yards while amassing 353 yards.

“It was a good performance,” Costa said. “We played as a team. We played smart.”

The Falcons struck first on Davenport’s short run and padded their lead to 14-0 in the first quarter when Gilford connected with Richards. The Tigers cut the lead to 14-7 after scoring on a pick-off.

The Tigers threatened again before halftime, but the field goal attempt was short, and the ball ricochet off a player and in the hands of Dezmon Hopkins (Fr./Manassas, Va.), who ran 53 yards in Stillman territory. The Falcons capitalize on the play when Gilford found Reaves near the goal line, and the wide receiver stretched in the end zone for a 21-7 halftime lead.

Gilford helped the Falcons pad the lead to 28-7 on a short run in the third quarter. The Falcons iced the game on Robinson’s blocked punt which led to Butts’ touchdown in the fourth quarter.

After a challenging non-conference schedule, the Falcons enter CIAA play this Saturday, September 28. They visit Bowie State University in Bowie, Md. at 1 p.m.

“We gotta be ready,” Costa said. “Bowie is going to be ready because they are at home. We have to make sure we do what we are supposed to do.”