Villanova Football Pushes Past Elon on Late Ja’briel Mace Return Touchdown

Villanova Football won their third consecutive CAA game on Saturday, Oct. 11, defeating the Elon Phoenix 29-21 on the road behind a late 99-yard kickoff return touchdown from Ja’briel Mace.

The No. 18 Wildcats’ (4-2, 3-1 CAA) starting quarterback, Pat McQuaide, completed 23 of 31 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns, both of which went to receiver Luke Colella; the veteran wideout finished his day with ten catches for 125 yards and proved instrumental in helping Villanova erase a 14-3 halftime deficit. Both of Colella’s touchdowns, receptions of 20 and 42 yards, came in the third quarter. The first came thanks to a gutsy fourth-and-4 completion to receiver Braden Reed; the second gave the Wildcats a 17-14 lead, their first of the afternoon.

The Wildcats’ defense, which allowed two touchdowns during their first three drives, stiffened in the second half, forcing four punts and a game-sealing interception. After another quick stop, Villanova seemed poised to take a commanding lead when running back David Avit hauled in a 4-yard touchdown pass, but a replay review overturned the play. A Jack Barnum field goal made it 20-14, and Elon went ahead on their extra point try on the ensuing touchdown drive.

Mace Saves the Day

The Phoenix lead lasted all of one play as Mace’s touchdown — which made him the first Villanova athlete to have two kickoff return touchdowns in a season since 2010 — put the Wildcats back in front. Villanova tried to take a seven point lead with a two-point conversion, but the attempt failed, giving Elon another prime opportunity to take the lead with barely five minutes to play.

Instead, Villanova’s defense forced a three-and-out with the help of a sack from defensive lineman Ratu Delano Navoti, and another grinding field goal drive made it 29-21.

Phoenix redshirt freshman quarterback Landen Clark drove inside the Wildcats’ red zone in the waning seconds of the game, but Villanova defensive back Jamie Tyson picked off his pass in the end zone to seal the win.

Villanova Football will return home to face Hampton at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18.