Rowan DuBois | staff writer

Duquesne football used a magical first half to rout Saint Francis 52-7 in front of a raucous homecoming crowd at Rooney Field on Saturday. The Dukes finished their three-game homestand undefeated with the family weekend win.

The victory moved Duquesne to 4-3 (2-0 NEC), while St. Francis remains winless, falling to 0-6 (0-2). In their last three games, the Dukes have averaged 43.33 points per game and 416 yards of total offense.

On the first play of the game, defensive back Joel Kpassou returned the kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown. It was the Dukes’ first kickoff return touchdown since 2016, and the first on the opening kickoff since 2014.

Duquesne head coach Jerry Schmitt, who works with the kickoff team, embraced Kpassou on the sideline at the end of the game.

“I was so happy for him, and that’s what we were laughing about,” Schmitt said. “He did a great job, but he knows there were some guys who really set their blocks the right way.”

The first half became historic for Duquesne, as the Dukes sprinted out to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter, achieving their highest scoring first quarter since 2000. Prior to the matchup, Duquesne had struggled in the first quarter this season, scoring only 14 points, and being held scoreless in five of six games.

The other 21 first-quarter points came via Tyler Riddell, who dished out three passing touchdowns to three different receivers.

“When the offense is doing good, it’s because I’m doing my job the right way,” Riddell said, “And when we’re stalling, it’s because I’m probably not doing my job the right way.”

After St. Francis’ first possession, which ended in a three-and-out, Riddell linked up with Joey Isabella for a 57-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Isabella has eight receiving touchdowns this season, leading the NEC. 

Later in the quarter, Riddell connected with Ryan Petras for his third touchdown in two games. On the following drive, Riddell dumped one over the Red Flash defense, finding Jermaine Johnson in the corner of the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown.

Riddell, who only saw action in the first half, finished the game with 185 yards and four touchdown passes. Riddell has thrown for three or more touchdowns in three straight games as his connection with his receivers grows.

“I think it’s great that our quarterback understands the schemes and can go to anyone who has confidence,” Schmitt said. “He’s building confidence in any of those guys.”

The impressive start continued in the second quarter as a Matt Marcinko field goal pushed the lead to 31-0.

After another abysmal Red Flash drive, the Dukes marched down the field, finishing off the drive with a 7-yard slant to BJ Alexander in the end zone. A few plays later, the defense got on the board, as linebacker Tyson Meiguez picked up a forced fumble, returning it for a 40-yard scoop-and-score.

“The game is so much easier when special teams and defense are scoring points like [Meiguez] did today,” Riddell said.

Duquesne possessed a 45-0 lead going into the half, the largest halftime lead in program history. Meiguez, who also had a sack in the first quarter, was happy to get off to such a start in front of former Duquesne football players who were there for homecoming.

“I had the pleasure of meeting [alumns],” Meiguez said, “and I just really felt like it was our job, our mission, to put on a good show for everybody coming back this weekend.”

Scoring slowed down in the second half as both teams sent younger units onto the field. Toward the end of the third quarter, backup quarterback Logan Kushner found Alex Gochis from 17 yards out for a touchdown, giving the Dukes their second 50-point performance of the season.

Duquesne had the opportunity to give playing time to players who haven’t seen as much this year, and seven different Dukes found the end zone on the day.

“It’s just great seeing the young guys, your teammates, go in there and make plays,” Meiguez said.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Duquesne defense had held the Red Flash to just 94 yards of total offense and no points. However, with just under 11 minutes to go, St. Francis broke through the shutout as backup quarterback Jeff Hoenstine completed a touchdown pass to Payton Wehner. Despite losing the shutout, the Dukes defense put on an impressive showing, totaling nine tackles for loss, five sacks and two turnovers.

The win caps off a successful home stand for the Dukes as they will embark on a three-game road trip starting Saturday against Mercyhurst. On homecoming weekend, Schmitt decided to quote the late Dan McCann, a former Duquesne football head coach for 19 years.

“In honor of homecoming, and former players and coaches, I go back to Dan McCann. He used to say, ‘It’s always good to win.’”

Rowan DuBois can be reached at duboisr1@duq.edu