Speedy St. Joseph running back Elijah Davis fills in at quarterback

Elmhurst — St. Joseph running back Elijah Davis is an all-around athlete who knows there is more to football than just skill and he is out to prove it.

On a night when Chargers fans set a record for attendance at Elmhurst College Langhorst Field, the atmosphere was buzzing when St. Joe returned to action after a forfeit victory over Francis de Sales.

The Lions (3-1) got off to a quick start, however converting their first drive on their way to a 40-18 win. A 27-yard connection by quarterback Latrell Giles and wide receiver Saheed Adewole put the Chargers in a 7-0 hole.

After the Lions tacked on another touchdown on their next drive, St. Joe got a needed spark when Davis fielded a punt inside St. Joe’s 5 and returned it 23 yards. After a penalty, quarterback Chris Morrow handed the ball off to ace wide receiver Armone Elem, who took it 79 yards for the touchdown.

Soon afterward, Morrow left with concussion-like symptoms in the first half and did not return. The nod went to Davis, who switched from running back.

He played well, and although he tossed two interceptions, he broke off some deft runs.

St. Joe’s coach Anthony Griffin was proud of the way his team continued to hustle after Morrow was knocked out of the lineup. He said Davis is a dedicated student with tremendous athletic ability and a special gift of leadership.

Davis saw the opportunity as a way to improve, as well as lead his team.

“We’ll learn from this loss, get to practice and work harder,” Davis said. “As a team we are fit, so we have to be resilient and come back from this one.”