BARBOURVILLE, Ky. — Earl Wells continues to produce impress numbers, tying the school record for touchdown catches in a game on Saturday. However, it was not enough as Union College fell 45-20 to visiting St. Thomas University (Fla.).

The loss puts the Bulldogs at 0-3 on the year, while the Bobcats improve to 1-1.

Wells hauled in a career-high eight passes for 128 yards and three touchdowns. The three receiving scores equal the program record which was achieved by six other Bulldogs. Darian Patterson was the last to accomplish the feat, doing so against Cincinnati Christian University (Ohio) on Aug. 23, 2018.

ROUGH STATS

Union struggled to get going at both the beginning of the game and the second half. The Bulldogs fumbled and lost the ball on their very first possession of the game, and it led to a 14-yard touchdown pass for the Bobcats with 12:23 to go in the first. St. Thomas added another score later in the quarter to build a 14-0 lead.

The Bulldogs regrouped in the second, scoring on touchdown passes to Wells on a 12-yard and 26-yard plays. The second touchdown came with 47 seconds left in the half, but Union went into the break down 14-13 as the extra-point kick was blocked.

On the opening possession of the second half, Union went three-and-out. The Bobcats blocked the punt and Keiondre Gaulden scooped it up and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown, making it 21-13 with 13:04 left in the quarter.

St. Thomas added 10 more points in the third for a 31-13 lead going into the fourth. Wells scored his third touchdown of the game on a 14-yard pass from Conner Marchionda early in the fourth, but the Bobcats tacked on two more touchdowns to make the final 45-20.

GREAT START TO THE SEASON

Wells is off to an impressive start of the season. Through three games, the sophomore wideout has 17 catches for 337 yards and five touchdowns. He is averaging 19.8 yards per catch.

STAT OF THE GAME

Union turned the ball over five times, and St. Thomas cashed them in for a total of 21 points. In addition, the Bobcats intercepted two passes deep in their own territory, picking one off in the end zone and another at the 1-yard line.

BULLDOG NOTES

Although St. Thomas posted a 473-361 edge in total offense, Union dominated the time of possession as it ate 37:09 off the clock.

The Bulldog defense did get good pressure upfront as they recorded seven tackles for a loss and four sacks.

Kendrick Furness completed 17-of-23 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.

Jalen Echols led the Union ground game with 57 yards on 15 carries.

Terran Cox led the Union defense with nine total tackles with a forced fumble. Dayvon Moore had six stops with two tackles for a loss of 8 yards and one sack. Tramonte Gardner had six tackles, a tackle for a loss, fumble recovery, and a pass breakup.

NEXT FOR THE BULLDOGS

Union remains home next week to host Campbellsville University (Ky.). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday at Williamson Stadium.