This Date in SFD Football History - November 6, 2004

Junior Chris Thomas finished with 154 yards rushing with two touchdowns and two interceptions

Playing on the road in the regional quarterfinals for the first time since 2001, fifth-seeded St. Francis DeSales earned a 20-10 victory over Lima Shawnee, led by the running of Chris Thomas (pictured #25), the kicking of A.J. Principe, and a defense that surrendered just one touchdown.

Thomas opened the scoring with a 36-yard touchdown run less than two minutes into the game. Principe added a 28-yard field goal early in the second quarter to extend the lead to 10-0.

O’Shay Mallory (63) wraps up a Shawnee ball carrier

After Shawnee cut the deficit to 10-7, the Stallions responded with a 62-yard scoring drive. On third-and-14, quarterback Matt Mangini scrambled 19 yards before fumbling, but wide receiver Ricky Taylor recovered at the 5-yard line. Thomas scored on the next play to give DeSales a 17-7 advantage.

Thomas also delivered defensively, intercepting two passes, including one in the closing seconds of the first half that he returned 55 yards. Shawnee pulled within 17-10, but Principe connected on a 31-yard field goal to secure the victory.

Thomas finished with 154 rushing yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns, while adding two interceptions, helping Coach Bob Jacoby's Stallions advance in their 11th consecutive postseason appearance.