LISLE, IL - The Benedictine University football team did not trail in rolling to a 40-14 homecoming win over Concordia University Wisconsin.
After trading possessions, Benedictine marched down the field on 10 plays in just 3:16 to grab an 8-0 lead.
Brandon Moore opened a big game by snaring a 15-yard touchdown from
Ryan Sample with 7:56 left in the opening quarter.
Grant Klaver ran in for a two-point conversion following the touchdown. Three different receivers hauled in passes on the drive.
Concordia Wisconsin responded with a 63-yard pass to draw within 8-7 at the 7:12 mark. Moore hauled in a 75-yard pass, breaking free to result in a second touchdown and a 15-7 advantage with an even seven minutes left in the first. Three touchdowns scored in the game in less than a minute. A fumble was returned 80 yards for a touchdown with just four seconds to play in the first quarter as Benedictine led 15-14.
Concordia Wisconsin did not score again. The second quarter belonged to Benedictine.
Hank Pinmentel drilled a 42-yard field goal with 10:17 left in the half to cap a 13-play drive, pushing the lead to 18-14. Following a punt Sample connected with
Matt Fleming on a 19-yard score, extending the edge to 26-14 with 4:05 to go in the half. An eight-play drive after a punt stretched the lead to 33-14 at the half.
Dean Pauley caught a five-yard score from Sample with only 30 seconds left in the half.
Receiving the second half kick, Benedictine beat the rain with a 14-play drive to score for the final time. Moore caught his third touchdown of the game as a downpour started, making the count 40-14 with 10:35 left in the third.
Benedictine racked up 547 yards of offense in the victory, accumulating 424 through the air and 123 on the ground. Moore notched 159 yards receiving on eight grabs with three touchdowns, surpassing 150 yards for the third time this season. Pauley followed suit with 116 yards receiving on seven catches with a long of 44.
Jonathan Roberts caught five passes as 10 players made at least one catch. Sample completed 30 passes for 413 yards and five touchdowns.
The defense limited Concordia Wisconsin to just 214 total yards and only 11 on the ground. Benedictine overcame three turnovers in the game.
Evontrae Pierce led the defense with nine tackles including a sack.
Danny Drummond posted seven tackles along with a pair of sacks.
Benedictine (3-2, 2-0 NACC) has a big game on the road against three-time defending conference champion Lakeland University next week.
