ULM running back Dorian Lewis (above) carries the ball up the middle during ULM's 29-0 victory over SFU. (Credit: ULM Athletics)
The Warhawks of ULM kicked off their 2025 season with a win over St. Francis (Pa.), winning the game 29-0.
After an almost two-hour weather delay, the Warhawks and the Red Flash were finally able to kick off.
While the score overall may not indicate it, it was a defensive battle by both teams. ULM showcased their veteran defense, while St. Francis was able to catch some breaks and stop the ULM offense in the first half.
After a punt by St. Francis on their opening drive, ULM was able to execute a six-play, 81-yard drive in just under three minutes to score its first touchdown of the season. The drive was highlighted by running back Braylon McReynolds’ 74-yard run that put the Warhawks on the one-yard line, allowing running back Hunter Herring to drive it in for the score.
HUNTER HERRING BREAKS THROUGH💪 pic.twitter.com/JOEnCKQqQ0
— ULM Football (@ULM_FB) August 29, 2025
Following five punts, a missed field goal, and an interception by both teams, ULM was able to get on the scoreboard again with a Luke Stagg 32-yard field goal.
Outside of the rush by McReynolds, the highlight of the half was when ULM defensive lineman Cliff Mosley was able to intercept St. Francis quarterback, Nick Whitfield Jr.
Whatever ULM second-year head coach Bryant Vincent said to his team at half time clearly worked. The Warhawks came out and did not stop. ULM was able to eat some clock to begin the second half. In the third quarter they had one complete drive, which resulted in a touchdown.
St. Francis had four drives in the second half, which resulted in three punts and a turnover on downs. ULM had four drives, resulting in three touchdowns and an interception. One of those touchdowns– a designed decoy wheel route to McReynolds. The redshirt junior would finish with 133 total yards (113 rushing on 11 carries) and the one score.
3️⃣ with the TD!!! pic.twitter.com/blexeQi9DF
— ULM Football (@ULM_FB) August 29, 2025
ULM’s defense shined throughout the contest. They held St. Francis University to only 131 yards of total offense. The defense as a whole really seemed to be on the same page, which was expected with all of the returning veterans on the defensive side of the ball.
UT-Chattanooga transfer D’Arco Perkins-McAllister shined in his debut for the Warhawks. The former four-star recruit had eight total tackles with two sacks.
The second half adjustments shone through in Week 1 for the Warhawks, seemingly shaking off the rust and getting back into the swing of a college football season.
The offense could not find any rhythm early on after their opening drive touchdown. After the half, it was a completely different look. Everything was working and the Warhawks could not be stopped. Ball security is key.
ULM starting quarterback Aidan Armenta had two fumbles and an interception. While turnovers were an issue last season, this is an area that must improve fast.
Kicker Luke Stagg had a bit of a rough evening in his first game as the starter kicker. He went 1-for-2 on field goals, landing a 32-yard kick. The biggest area of concern was the two missed extra point attempts (Stagg finished 2-for-4), but he will have this week to make adjustments.
First game jitters are now out of the team’s system. The newcomers now have experience, the team learned their identity tonight and now must move on as the schedule gets harder going forward. It was a solid win, fantastic defensive performance with tons of potential shown on offense.
ULM will now take a trip to Tuscaloosa, as the Warhawks take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 2.
About The Author
