What Is 2013 Saint Francis Red Flash football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Saint Francis Red Flash football team represented the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana, during the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 3–9 record under head coach Chris Creighton.

Key Facts

The 2013 Saint Francis Red Flash football team had a 3–9 overall record
They competed in the Northeast Conference (NEC) and went 2–6 in conference play
Head coach Chris Creighton led the team in his 11th and final season
The Red Flash played home games at Bishop D’Arcy Stadium in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Quarterback Terrance Broadway was a key offensive player that season

Overview

The 2013 Saint Francis Red Flash football team represented the University of Saint Francis, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, during the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing as a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC), the team struggled to find consistency, finishing the year with a 3–9 overall record and a 2–6 mark in conference play.

Under the leadership of head coach Chris Creighton, who was in his 11th and final season with the program, the Red Flash faced challenges on both offense and defense. Despite a few competitive performances, the team failed to qualify for the FCS playoffs and ended the season on a four-game losing streak.

Season record: The team finished with a 3–9 overall record and a 2–6 record in the Northeast Conference, placing them near the bottom of the standings.
Head coach: Chris Creighton, who had led the program since 2003, departed after the season to become the head coach at Eastern Michigan University.
Home stadium: The Red Flash played their home games at Bishop D’Arcy Stadium, a 3,000-seat facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Offensive leader: Quarterback Terrance Broadway led the passing attack, throwing for over 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns during the season.
Defensive challenges: The team allowed an average of 35.1 points per game, one of the highest in the NEC, highlighting defensive struggles.

How It Works

The 2013 season reflected the structural and competitive dynamics of NCAA Division I FCS football, particularly for smaller programs like Saint Francis. These teams operate with smaller budgets, limited scholarships, and regional recruiting, which impacts their ability to compete consistently at the FCS level.

Division I FCS: The Football Championship Subdivision is the second tier of NCAA Division I football, featuring a 24-team playoff to determine the national champion.
NEC membership: The Northeast Conference limits scholarships and emphasizes regional competition, affecting team depth and national exposure.
Roster size: Saint Francis typically carried a roster of around 85 players, with limited depth compared to larger FCS programs.
Scholarship limits: FCS teams are allowed up to 63 full scholarships, but Saint Francis operated below that cap due to institutional policies.
Recruiting: The team relied heavily on in-state and Midwest recruits, with most players coming from Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois high schools.
Game schedule: The 2013 season included 12 games—eight regular-season matchups and four non-conference contests against teams like Butler and Dayton.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2013 Saint Francis Red Flash to other NEC teams highlights their performance relative to conference peers.

Team	Overall Record	NEC Record	Points For	Points Against
Wagner	8–4	6–2	286	210
Central Connecticut	4–7	3–5	207	274
Saint Francis	3–9	2–6	224	421
Robert Morris	3–8	2–6	178	286
Bryant	6–5	5–3	301	254

The data shows that Saint Francis ranked near the bottom of the NEC in both offensive output and defensive performance. While Bryant and Wagner emerged as stronger contenders, the Red Flash struggled to keep games competitive, especially in conference matchups where they lost six of eight. Their 421 points allowed was the second-highest in the conference, underscoring defensive vulnerabilities.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional year for Saint Francis football, marking the end of an era with Chris Creighton’s departure and setting the stage for future rebuilding efforts. Though the record was disappointing, the season provided valuable experience for younger players and coaching staff.

Coaching change: Chris Creighton’s move to Eastern Michigan created a leadership vacuum, leading to the hiring of new head coach Kevin Donley in 2014.
Player development: Several underclassmen gained significant playing time, laying the foundation for future seasons.
Program visibility: Despite the record, the team maintained a loyal fan base and continued to grow its regional footprint.
Recruiting impact: The season influenced recruiting strategies, with increased focus on defensive talent in subsequent classes.
Conference realignment: The NEC’s stability allowed Saint Francis to maintain consistent scheduling and rivalries.
Long-term growth: The 2013 season became a benchmark for measuring future improvements under new leadership.

While the 2013 campaign was not a success in the win-loss column, it played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the Saint Francis football program in the years that followed.