The Golden Eagles suffered their first loss of the season to the Xavier Saints Friday night, 40-7. 

The game started with a Wahlert punt; then the Eagles were able to stop the Saints on fourth down to get the ball back. 

Soon after, the Xavier defense picked off the Wahlert offense, which led to a Xavier rushing touchdown to make it 7-0 with 4:31 to go in the first. 

Early in the second quarter, Xavier scored two quick touchdowns to make it 14-0 and then 20-0. Ryan Brosius, ‘23, was able to get his hands on the extra point attempt from Xavier.

The Saints eventually took a 34-0 lead going into halftime after another touchdown and then returning a Wahlert punt to the house. 

A bright spot for the Eagles Friday night was running back Michael Borman, ‘25, who had some big runs to set the Eagles up around midfield. Then, Quarterback Bryce Rudiger, ‘23, hit Seamus Crahan, ‘23, for a big gain to set the Eagles up first and goal. Borman capped off the drive with a touchdown to make it 40-7, which would end up being the final. 

Linebacker JP Weber, ‘23, and the Eagles will look to bounce back. “You’re never happy with a loss,” said Weber. “We know what we need to fix, and we’re not planning on losing another game.” 

The Golden Eagles drop to 2-1 and will be back on the road versus Union on Friday.