LAKELAND, Fla. — No. 20 Southeastern University football fell to No. 4 St. Thomas University, 48-13, on Saturday at Victory Field after the Bobcats used a strong first quarter to take control of the game.

St. Thomas scored 28 points in the opening quarter, building a lead that SEU struggled to overcome. The Bobcats opened the scoring with a touchdown pass from Jalen Daniels to Isaiah Lopez before Lopez added two rushing touchdowns. St. Thomas also returned a blocked field goal 54 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the first quarter.

SEU got on the scoreboard with a 36-yard field goal from Joel McGrath, but the Fire trailed 28-3 entering the second quarter. St. Thomas added a 39-yard field goal before halftime to take a 31-3 lead into the break.

The Fire showed signs of momentum in the third quarter. McGrath connected on another 36-yard field goal, and Jamil Jones returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown to cut into the deficit. SEU held St. Thomas scoreless in the third quarter and entered the final period trailing 31-13.

However, the Bobcats pulled away in the fourth quarter with 17 unanswered points. Lopez broke free for a 49-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a 38-yard field goal from James Giunta. Andreas Zayas added a 57-yard touchdown run to close out the scoring.

SEU totaled 337 yards of offense, including 238 passing yards and 99 rushing yards. Quarterback Zach Pleuss completed 25 of 54 passes for 214 yards. Tre McClellan led the Fire with six receptions for 51 yards, while David Wacenske recorded four catches for 56 yards and Julian Arthurs added three receptions for 48 yards.

On the ground, Connor McCazzio led SEU with 60 rushing yards on 11 carries, followed by Christian Sell with 57 yards on nine carries.

Defensively, Brady Nowlan led the Fire with 12 total tackles. Aidan Cooper recorded one sack, and SEU finished with three sacks and three interceptions, including Jones' touchdown return.