ST. JOSEPH — Host St. Joseph scored 21 points in the opening quarter and never looked back in defeating Niles 59-26 in a SMAC West Division contest Friday.

The Bears (6-1) ran for 333 yards and threw for another 110 on the Vikings, who drop to 1-6 on the year.

Darius Clayton did most of the damage for St. Joseph as he rushed for 173 yards on 17 caries and scored thee touchdowns.

Niles was only able to muster 26 yards on the ground against the Bears’ defense, but Alex Harpenau was 22-of-32 for 336 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Tre Gray caught 13 passes for 180 yards and a score, while Joe Avance caught four passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.

The Vikings travel to Richland to take on Gull Lake Friday night.

 

ST. JOSEPH 59, NILES 26

At St. Joseph

Niles                0          12       7          7 – 26

St. Joseph       21       10       21       7 – 59

SJ – Jake Sremba 29 run (Sean Akins kick)

SJ – Darius Clayton 5 run (Akins kick)

SJ – Sammy McCoy 22 pass from Chris Cole (Akins kick)

N – Joseph Avance 11 run (kick failed)

SJ – Akins 33 field goal

N – Alex Harpenau 1 run (conversion failed)

SJ – Jordan Brewer 36 pass from Cole (Akins kick)

SJ – Derek Atkins 36 pass from Griffin Beaudette (Akins kick)

SJ – McCoy 1 run (Akins kick)

SJ – Clayton 8 run (Akins kick)

N – Tre Gray 25 pass from Harpenau (Jason Echeverri kick)

SJ – Clayton 15 run (Akins kick)

N – Avance 30 pass from Harpenau (Echeverri kick)

 Varsity records: Niles 1-6, St. Joseph 6-1