JU off to best start in school history

JU wins homecoming playing under the lights for the first time

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Quarterback Kade Bell threw five touchdown passes and Jacksonville University won its fifth consecutive game as the Dolphins beat Stetson, 41-14 in a Pioneer Football League game here Saturday.

Bell, a redshirt senior, completed 23 of 40 passes with one interception in the first night football game ever at D.B. Milne Field played before a record crowd of 6,324 fans. The 5-0 start for JU (3-0 in the PFL) is the best start in school history.

Bell, whose touchdown passes went to five different receivers, propelled JU early with two first quarter scores. The first was a 4-yard pass to running back Orlando Thomas with 8:11 to play and another 4-yarder to wide receiver Damien Strange.

JU moved to a 21-0 lead when Bell found wide receiver Andy Jones on a 10-yard scoring strike with 9:40 to play in the second quarter and Stetson (1-4, 0-3) responded on its next possession when quarterback Ryan Tentler connected with Darius McGriff for a 55-yard touchdown pass.

JU went to the break with a 28-7 lead as defensive back Armani Sampson returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown.

Bell threw two more touchdowns in the second half to freshman wide receiver Austin Leach and junior Austin Lawrence.

JU running back Ulysses Bryant led all rushers with 95 yards while Jones led all receivers with 54 yards on five catches.

Tentler completed 13 of 30 passes with a touchdown and two interceptions and 111 yards. His backup, freshman Colin McGovern passed for 118 yards completing 7 of 15 p with a pair of interceptions.

The JU defense, which leads the PFL, forced five turnovers, four on interceptions and a fumble recovery.