Kicker Paul Graupner nailed a career-long 53-yard field goal to tie the school-record as time expired in the first half, sending the No. 2-ranked St. Thomas football team into halftime down 14-11 to rival St. John’s University Saturday at O’Shaughnessy Stadium.

Quarterback Matt O’Connell’s 11-yard rushing touchdown paired with wide receiver Dan Ferrazzo’s two-point conversion in the first quarter were the error-prone Tommies only ground points.

St. John’s quarterback Connor Bruns rushed for a 1-yard touchdown late in the second half for the first of two Johnnie touchdowns in the half.

The Tommies, who have beaten the Johnnies three straight times, lost two fumbles in the first half. St. John’s wasn’t much better on offense, but the Johnnies were able to take advantage of the Tommies’ mistakes.

After a St. Thomas fumble, St. John’s running back Sam Sura capitalized with a 2-yard touchdown rush shortly before the half ended.

Check back later today for the full story and interviews.

Kyle Jonas can be reached at jona7984@stthomas.edu.