Box Score

CHICAGO, Ill. – Despite a 7-0 lead at halftime, the Benedictine University football team dropped a heartbreaker to non-conference opponent North Park, 31-20, on Saturday night at the Holmgren Complex.

The Eagles (1-1) had a 14-0 lead in the third quarter after sophomore runningback John Borsellino picked up his first two touchdowns of the year, a two-yard run in the first quarter and a 20-yard pass from senior quarterback Preston Earl in the third quarter. 

Benedictine  gave up a field goal by North Park's Anthony Kebede and a touchdown from Andy Kick to make the score 14-9 with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter.

After the Vikings (1-1) scored on three straight possessions, the Benedictine defense forced a fumble and gave the ball back to the offense with nine minutes remaining in the game. Earl found senior wide receiver Brandin Austin three players later for a 41-yard touchdown to put the Eagles up 20-17. 

With four minutes remaining, NPU's Tyler Krebs found the end zone on a three-yard run to put the Vikings up 24-20.

Benedictine had a chance to take the lead at the end of the game, getting the ball back with under three and half minutes remaining. As the Eagles drove down to the Vikings 15 on a fourth and three play, Earl's pass was intercepted and returned for a 99-yard return.

Earl finished the night 16-for-25 with one touchdown and 2 picks. Borsellino had 181 total yards and 2 touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving.

The Eagles have a bye next weekend before they play their home opener on Saturday, September 25 against Kalamazoo College at 6:30 p.m. at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex.