Fulton, MO — The Westminster College football team delivered an explosive performance in all phases Saturday afternoon, defeating the University of Minnesota Morris 55-34 at Blue Jay Field at Kent and Judith Mueller Stadium. The Blue Jays rushed for 298 yards, scored on defense and special teams, and improved to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play. Westminster wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Running back Martez Stephenson broke free for a 24-yard touchdown run to cap the Blue Jays' opening scoring drive. After Minnesota Morris returned an interception for a touchdown to even the score, quarterback Trey Thomas connected with Zamar Williams for a 10-yard touchdown pass, giving Westminster a 14-7 advantage. The Cougars tied the game at 14-14 early in the second quarter, but the Blue Jays responded with an offensive surge that put the game in their control. Stephenson broke loose for a 57-yard touchdown run, Cameron Smith added a 19-yard rushing score, and Stephenson struck again with a 46-yard touchdown run. Westminster scored three touchdowns in less than eight minutes to build a 34-14 lead. Minnesota Morris added a late interception return for a touchdown to cut into the lead, but the Blue Jays carried a 34-20 advantage into halftime. Westminster continued to build momentum after the break. Thomas connected with Cole Harrell for a 29-yard touchdown pass to open the third-quarter scoring, extending the lead to 41-20. The Blue Jay defense then delivered one of the biggest plays of the afternoon. Justin Parker intercepted a Minnesota Morris pass and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown, pushing the Westminster advantage to 48-20. After the Cougars answered with a rushing touchdown, Westminster's special teams provided another highlight. Darian Jones returned the ensuing kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown, giving the Blue Jays a commanding 55-27 lead. Minnesota Morris added a late touchdown, but Westminster secured the 55-34 victory. Stephenson powered the Westminster offense, rushing for 241 yards and three touchdowns on just 14 carries. His touchdown runs of 24, 57 and 46 yards helped the Blue Jays average 9.9 yards per carry as a team. Smith contributed 22 rushing yards and a touchdown, while the Blue Jays finished with 298 net rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Thomas completed 10 of 17 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Williams led the receiving corps with 64 yards and a touchdown on three receptions, while Harrell added two catches for 25 yards, including his 29-yard touchdown reception. Parker's 80-yard interception return highlighted the defensive performance, while the Blue Jays recorded four sacks and held Minnesota Morris to 91 net rushing yards. Andrew Martin led Westminster with 10 total tackles, followed by Matthew Wiegand with nine. Kadyn Burleson contributed six tackles, a tackle for loss and a blocked kick. Jones provided the special-teams spark with his 70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, giving Westminster another momentum-shifting score in the third quarter. Looking Ahead The Blue Jays return to the road next Saturday, October 31, when they travel to New Ulm, Minnesota, to face Martin Luther College. Kickoff is scheduled for noon as Westminster looks to build on Saturday's offensive outburst and continue its push through the UMAC schedule. Final Score: Westminster 55, Minnesota Morris 34 #WORK