University Heights, Ohio— On a windy, frigid afternoon at Don Shula Stadium, John Carroll University dominated Mount St. Joseph University in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs, cruising to an easy 52-7 victory— the largest playoff win in Blue Streaks history. A relentless defensive effort and opportunistic offense propelled the Blue Streaks to their first NCAA Tournament victory since 2018.
Mount St. Joseph opened with a ground-game focus, securing one first down before pressure from JCU linebacker Mason Rus ’26 helped to end the Lions’ initial drive scoreless.
JCU’s offense wasted no time finding its rhythm. Quarterback Nick Semptimphelter ’24G connected with Dorian Facen ’27 on a third-down slant route, setting the stage for a series of powerful runs by Evan McVay ’25 that pushed the Blue Streaks into enemy territory. Collin Schuler ’27 capped the drive with a 37-yard field goal to put JCU up 3-0 midway through the first quarter.
The Blue Streaks’ defense forced a quick three-and-out, giving the ball back to their offense. Semptimphelter spread the ball around, converting key third downs with passes to Tyler Mintz ’27 and Tyren Montgomery ’27. Montgomery finished the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run, extending JCU’s lead to 10-0 with just over a minute left in the opening quarter.
“We’ve been running that play since week six, and teams just can’t stop it,” Montgomery said after the game. “I’m just happy we scored and came out with the win. I love my teammates.”
The Blue Streaks carried their momentum into the second quarter, fueled by standout defensive and special teams plays. After punting for the first time, JCU’s defense held firm as Mount St. Joseph threatened to score. Facing a critical fourth down, Rus forced Lions quarterback Tyler Prather into a 40-yard retreat before bringing him down for a turnover on downs.
From there, JCU’s offense exploded. Quincy Newsome ’27 leaped over multiple defenders for a 12-yard touchdown reception. On the ensuing kickoff, JCU quickly regained possession and marched to the goal line, where Semptimphelter found Montgomery for a 2-yard touchdown pass, pushing the lead to 24-0.
The Blue Streaks’ defense kept the Lions off balance, with Kevin Doyle ’25 and Dylan Crasi ’28 recording consecutive interceptions late in the second quarter. Kenneth Rawls ’27 capitalized with a touchdown grab, sending JCU into halftime with a commanding 31-0 lead.
The second half brought more of the same dominance. Montgomery secured his third touchdown of the day on a 29-yard reception early in the third quarter. Later, McVay hauled in a 5-yard touchdown pass from Semptimphelter, who extended the play by scrambling to find his target. JCU carried a 45-0 lead into the fourth quarter.
Mount St. Joseph found a brief spark in the final quarter with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Kadin Pollard, cutting the deficit to 45-7. However, JCU’s defense continued to smother the Lions, forcing a fumble and recording another interception. The Blue Streaks sealed the game with kneel-downs as the clock expired.
Head Coach Jeff Behrman ’95 said, “From here on out, it is down to one game season” looking towards the next game, “Today we were 1-0, and it does not matter how you start the season, it is how you finish the season.”
JCU, ranked No. 24 in the nation, looks to extend its red-hot postseason run in pursuit of a deep playoff push. The Blue Streaks’ historic victory advances them to a highly anticipated matchup against rival Mount Union University on Saturday, Nov. 30.
