LISLE, IL - The Benedictine University football team opened the 2017 season by dropping a 57-14 contest at home to sixth-ranked Wheaton College.

Benedictine opened the game by advancing to the Wheaton 31-yardline on a 14-play drive. The first quarter saw a slow pace with a hard rain falling as the visitors led 5-0. Wheaton scored 38 points in the second quarter, utilizing the big play to open a 43-0 lead at the half. The second half of the game was played to an identical 14-14 score.

Dean Pauley scored the first points of the season for Benedictine reeling in a six-yard pass from Ryan Sample in the corner of the endzone on a tremendous grab. The touchdown capped a 12-play drive that covered 69 yards and came in the final minute of the third quarter. Sample completed four passes on the drive including a pair to Brandon Moore, who finished with four receptions in the defeat.

Forcing a three-and-out, Benedictine marched 65 yards on 11 plays to score again when Joe Marella dumped off a pass to Grant Jochums. Jochums snared four passes out of the backfield on the drive, which ticked off 3:55 of the game clock.

Sample completed 17 passes in the season debut, throwing for 149 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Jochums and Pauley each finished with five catches. Joshua Williams carred the ball 15 times. Benedictine finished with 18 first downs and 210 yards, holding a time of possession advantage.

Mark Hammond led the defense with 10 tackles. Chris Branson and Austin Nirva each recorded seven stops. Frankie Letizia recorded the lone turnover of the game, intercepting a pass and taking off for a 42-yard return.

Wheaton reached the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals last season and brought virtually the entire team back. The Thunder are a consensus top-10 program picked to win the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.




Benedictine (0-1) hits the road for the first time this season next Saturday afternoon at St. Norbert College.