DAYTON - The University of Dayton football team will return to action this Saturday, Sept. 12 at noon against Thomas More University. It will be Youth Football Day at Welcome Stadium.

Dayton is coming off a season-opening victory over Fairmont State on Aug. 29 before an early bye week this past weekend. The Flyers are 1-0 on the year and look to pick up momentum as they head into the heart of the season.

As a team, the Flyers are averaging 437.0 yards per game, 186.0 through the air and 251.0 on the ground. Dayton is controlling time of possession 31:43 to 28:16 and forced four turnovers in the season opener. 

Leading the way for the offense is senior quarterback Bryce Schondelmyer  with two touchdowns to no interceptions, with both touchdowns going to junior fullback/tight end Donovan Weatherly. He leads UD with 71 yards on four catches while preseason All-American Gavin Lochow has four catches  and four rushes through one game. The running back combo of seniors Mason Hackett and Luke Hansen continue to power the attack, but it's sophomore Noah Spencer that has a team-high 58 yards on nine carries. 

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Thomas More is a program looking to find its footing after going 1-10 last season and 1-8 in G-MAC play. The Saints are 0-1 this season after a tough road loss at Wheeling to open the year. 

Head coach Chris Norwell is in 18th season with the Saints and his fifth as the head coach. Thomas More had two players names to the G-MAC All-Conference Second Team and six players named to the CSC Academic All-District team last season. 

As a team, Thomas More is averaging 10.0 points per game while giving up 27.0 points to opponents. The Saints are gaining just 45.0 yards on the ground, but getting 214.0 yards in the passing game.

Thomas More is led by quarterback Ben Chesser with team-highs of 40 passing attempts and 10 rushes. The dual threat quarterback leans on Kayleb Wagner in the running game and Numehnne Gwilly as his top receiver. 

SERIES HISTORY
Dayton and Thomas More are meeting for the third time in program history with the Flyers leading the series 2-0. UD controlled last year's meeting from start to finish, earning a 38-0 victory at home in 2025.

LAST OUTING
• Dayton had a bye week last week after defeating Fairmont State at home on Aug. 29 in week zero. 
• Thomas More is also coming off a bye having lost the season opener at Wheeling University, 27-10. 

GET TO KNOW
Senior wide receiver Michael Mussari was this week's student-athlete on the Flyers Weekly feature with Alex Mikos. Watch the interview HERE. 

NEXT UP
Dayton will travel to Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 19 in the first road game of the season for the Flyers. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. in Richmond, Ky.

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