Robert Morris Football

Robert Morris Defeats St. Francis for First Conference Win of Season

Published

2 weeks ago

October 26, 2025

Adam Borst

Robert Morris linebacker Jerry Riggins following a play against St. Francis (PA) on Oct. 25, 2025 -- RMU Athletics

Robert Morris (2-6, 1-2) used big offensive days from running back Ethan Shine and wide receiver Thomas Lee in its win over Keystone state rivals St. Francis (0-7, 0-3) and secured its first conference win of the season in the process.

The Colonials’ offensive game plan for this season is to beat opponents with a fierce rushing attack. While that plan has not been perfectly executed throughout points of the season, it worked on Saturday as they were powered by Shine’s 123 rushing yards and one touchdown.

The win also showcased the Colonials’ ability to stretch the field through the air as Lee hauled in five catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.

That's a #BobbyMo 𝐖𝐈𝐍! pic.twitter.com/IfUD9ZblYv

— RMU Football (@RMU_Football) October 25, 2025

The Red Flash started the game with possession and marched right down the field in 10 plays as they found themselves on the Colonials’ 12-yard line.

Just when it looked like the Colonials were going to surrender the game’s first score, linebacker Patrick McDonnell made a toe-tap interception on the sideline as Red Flash quarterback Nick Whitfield Jr. scrambled and attempted to make a off-script throw.

We come up big! 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗠𝗰𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹 with the pick! #BobbyMo pic.twitter.com/mSZTXkr2ZB

— RMU Football (@RMU_Football) October 25, 2025

The Zach Tanner to Thomas Lee connection started early as on the third play of the Colonials’ opening series, Tanner hit Lee across the middle of the field for a 41 yard reception.

The Colonials then put the ball into Shine’s hands as he got them down to the Red Flash 25-yard line before the drive stalled and kicker Jayson Jenkins converted a 35-yard field goal attempt.

After the two teams traded punts, the Red Flash eventually answered with a big-play and score of their own. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Whitfield connected with wide receiver DJ Maultsby for a 62-yard play that ended at the Colonials’ 5-yard line.

The Red Flash punched it in on the very next play to claim a 7-3 lead in the second quarter.

Just when it looked like the Red Flash were going to carry that lead into halftime, the Colonials’ special teams unit came up with a huge turnover. After Jenkins punted the ball back to the Red Flash, the returner muffed it and the Colonials fell onto the ball at the plus-14 with just under a minute left.

Tanner managed to find tight end Richard Ransom on a slant for a 9-yard touchdown just a handful of plays later. The late score allowed the Colonials to enter halftime with a 10-7 lead.

We have the lead courtesy of @RICHARDRANS0M! #BobbyMo pic.twitter.com/8ItSoCRu7Z

— RMU Football (@RMU_Football) October 25, 2025

The Colonials opened the third quarter with another explosive play as return man Owen McGraw returned the kick 42 yards to set the offense up with excellent starting field position.

A few plays later, Tanner and Lee hooked up for the duo’s second big play of the game — a 42-yard touchdown — which helped extend the Colonials’ lead to 17-7.

The Red Flash then used the next nine minutes of game time to go all the way down the field before attempting and missing a 27-yard field goal.

After a Colonials’ punt, the Red Flash went on another long drive and capitalized on a 8-yard touchdown strike from Whitfield to Jordan Theodore which cut the defecit to 17-14.

The Colonials saw their lead slipping and responded with another touchdown drive of their own.

The drive featured a bulk load of Shine carries as he finished the drive and the game off with a 3-yard touchdown run.