In a season of missed opportunities, St. Ambrose let another slip by Saturday.

The Bees were unable to hold on to a 21-0 lead and lost their third one-possession game of the year, a 27-24 setback at Peru State.

SAU appeared ready to extend its winning streak to four games as the Bees built that 21-point lead in the opening quarter.

Alec Ponder threw three touchdown passes in the frame - an 8-yarder to Tre Jenkins, an 18-yarder to Joseph Spaulding and a 4-yarder to Kameron Bohnsack. The third touchdown pass followed a Peru State turnover as Shawn Harris forced a fumble on the kickoff that Grant Macke recovered.

But after piling up 200 yards of offense in that first quarter, St. Ambrose (4-6, 3-2 Heart) managed just 166 yards over the next three periods.

That allowed Peru State (5-5, 2-3 Heart) to methodically climb back into the game.

The Bobcats scored a pair of second-quarter touchdowns to get within 21-14 at the half. The two teams exchanged field goals in the third quarter with Harvey Doleman's 36-yard effort giving the Bees a 24-17 lead heading into the final frame.

Peru State drew even early in the fourth and after forcing a three-and-out, the Bobcats booted what proved to be a game-winning 39-yard field goal with 6:15 to play.

St. Ambrose had a third straight three-and-out, giving the ball back to Peru State. And the Bobcats were able to run out the final 4:51, including a fourth-and-2 conversion inside the final minute, to hang on for the win.

In the final quarter, SAU had three possessions totaling nine plays and six yards.

The Bees forced a pair of turnovers, including a DJ Twymon Jr. interception, but committed three themselves. St. Ambrose also lost the time-of-possession battle 36:53 to 23:07.

Ponder completed 18 passes for 211 yards and the three scores.

Bohnsack had five receptions for 69 yards. Jaylen Brazzle caught four passes for 45 yards. Spaulding, Jekins, Braden Downs and Mikey Hellwig each made two catches.

Jenkins added 100 yards on the ground on 17 carries. Zaire Wilcox rushed for 55 yards on 11 attempts.

Nolan Obert led the defense with 11 total tackles. Caden McDermott made 10 tackles. Colin Gudella was in on nine stops. Emmanuel Howard finished with eight tackles, Twymon had six, and Brock Mason, CJ Resto and Kye Krofta had five apiece.

St. Ambrose will close the season at home next Saturday on Senior Day against No. 17 William Penn.