One week after recording the first shutout in the postseason in program history, the St. Thomas football team came up with another solid defensive effort.
The Tommies intercepted three passes in the first half and went on to a 55-6 victory over previously undefeated Coe in the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs on Saturday in St. Paul.
The Tommies (12-0), ranked No. 3 in Div. III, built a 41-0 lead at halftime as they improved to 13-0 in home playoff games under coach Glenn Caruso.
Alex Fenske threw three touchown passes in the first half and Tucker Trettel rushed for 103 yards, including an 82-yard touchdown run in the first half. The Tommies defense held Kohawks' running back Trevor Heitland, who went into the game with 1,870 rushing yards, to 43 yards in 24 carries.
St. Thomas will play Wisconsin-Oshkosh next Saturday in the quarterfinals. The Titans defeated St. John's 31-14 to advance. Coe finished the season with an 11-1 record.
JOEL RIPPEL
