Quarterback Sean Richardson broke free for a 78-yard touchdown run and the stifling Saints defense did the rest as the St. Lawrence University football team posted an 8-0 victory over the United States Merchant Marine Academy to claim the Hoffman Cup on (USMMA) Saturday afternoon at Brooks Stadium in Kings Point, N.Y.

After a scoreless first half, the St. Lawrence defense forced a three-and-out on the the Mariners (4-3, 3-2) first possession of the second half. The Saints (7-0 overall, 4-0 Liberty League) started their first drive of the second half at their own 22 yard line and after an incomplete pass on the first play, Richardson scrambled out of the backfield and found open space to the right, racing past two defenders up the sideline and into the end zone for the only score of the game.

The run was the longest from scrimmage since 2012 for St. Lawrence. Ethan Sutton had an 80-yard touchdown run on Sept. 25, 2012 against USMMA.

A mishandled snap on the extra point attempt turned into a two-point conversion as Tyler Burns ran into the end zone to give SLU an 8-0 lead.

The defense, led by a 20-tackle performance by Skyler Williamson, took over and continued to hold the Mariners out of the end zone to record the Saints' fourth shutout of the season.

USMMA drove into St. Lawrence territory early in the fourth quarter but a fumble at the 46 yard line was recovered by James Holley-Grisham giving the ball back to St. Lawrence.

After Austen Lauricella punted and pinned the Mariners inside the 10-yard line, USMMA put together another drive that included a 67-yard pass play and pushed the ball all the way to the St. Lawrence 21. A fourth down forced the Mariners to attempt a field goal but the kick sailed wide left keeping the score 8-0.

On the next USMMA drive, the Mariners drove 50 yards to the SLU 11-yard line but the defense stood strong again for the Saints. Tyler Mirabile knocked down a fourth-down pass attempt at the line to force a turnover on downs, and the Saints ran out the clock for the win.

Richardson finished with 161 yards passing in rainy conditions and also had 91 yards rushing for the Saints. Rodrick Payne ran for 79 yards on 19 carries and Vincenzo Ferraro led the receivers with 10 catches and 85 yards.

Williamson, who was named the Hoffman Cup MVP, had a career-high 20 tackles including 1 ½ for loss and a sack. Jayson Leigh, Riley Cott and Ryan Byrne had nine tackles each.

The Saints return home to face Union on Homecoming and Hall of Fame Weekend on Oct. 29 at Leckonby Stadium in Canton.