Box Score JOLIET, Ill. - Trinity International were poised for a come-from-behind win, with a potenial game-tying drive in the closing minutes, but a late turnover secured the win for the 18th-ranked St. Francis Saints, who defeated the Trojans 22-7 Saturday afternoon.

Box Score | Season Stats

Trailing by eight with 2:45 to play, the Trojans (2-7, 0-5 MSFA) blocked a field goal that would have made it a two-possession game. Starting from their own 8-yardline, Trinity quarterback Zach Chesser found Brad Hargis for a 29-yard completion, but four plays later, an interception was returned all the way for a touchdown, putting the upset bid out of reach.

The Trojan defense held strong throughout the game, keeping the USF offense off the scoreboard throughout the first quarter. The Saints broke through early in the second, using a 12-play, 56-yard drive to claim a 7-0 lead at the 13:01 mark of the second quarter. Trinity responded with a 14-play drive on the following possession, but after failing to convert a 4th and 9 opportunity, the Saints took over on their own 32-yardline.

The USF drive stalled at the Trinity 41-yardline, but a punt downed at the one pinned the TIU offense deep in their own territory. St. Francis would take advantage, rushing Chesser on the first play and forcing a safety to make it a 9-0 lead.

Before the end of the half, the Saints converted a 27-yard field goal to increase their lead to 12-0 at the break.

The Trojans would get on the board with 7:31 left in the third quarter, when Chesser earned his first rushing touchdown of the season, taking off for 17 yards and the score. The quarterback's TD run capped a 13 play drive, and brought Trinity back to within one score in the closing minutes. St. Francis converted a 30-yard field goal on their next possession, giving themselves a 15-7 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

Jarell Carter kept the Trojans in the game with his field goal block with 2:45 to play, as Cory Windle recovered the loose ball at the 8-yardline, but TIU were unable to convert the stop into the game-tying touchdown.

Chesser finished the day going 9-for-23, with 95 yards. Brad Hargis was the team's leading receiver, making two catches for 48 yards. 

The Trojans wrap up their three-week road trip next Saturday, when they take on Siena Heights (Mich.). Kickoff from Adrian, Mich. is set for a noon CST kickoff.