EUREKA, IL - The Benedictine University football team could not slow a power rushing attack from the undefeated leaders of the NACC, dropping a 50-20 decision on the road at Eureka College.
Eureka scored on the first two possessions of the game and led 14-0 after the first quarter. Benedictine was on the Eureka side in each of the three possessions in the first quarter but could not score. A long drive from the end of the first into the start of the second spanning 10 plays enabled the hosts to jump ahead 21-0. Eureka utilized a 13-play drive at the end of the half to open a 28-0 lead. Benedictine was able to pick up first downs in the opening half but could not sustain a drive.
Eureka scored on the first three trips of the second half to open a 50-0 edge. Benedictine was able to mount an eight-play drive, aided by a penalty on a punt that allowed Benedictine to retain the ball, but stalled.
After struggling to move the ball early, Benedictine scored the final 20 points of the contest.
Brandon Moore put Benedictine on the board by returning a punt 58 yards for a touchdown at the conclusion of the third quarter. Moore put Benedictine in a good spot with another decent return to set up a short field and reeled in a 25-yard touchdown pass from
Grant Klaver for the second touchdown with 6:52 left in the game.
Quin Brown set up the score with three rushes.
The final points of the day came after Moore snared a 42-yard pass from Klaver on the first play of a drive.
Joshua Williams,
wearing a special uniform, plunged in from four yards out with just seven seconds left.
Eureka amassed 420 yards on the ground and only attempted eight passes on the day. All-American Le'Anthony Reasnover totaled 282 yards on the ground with five touchdowns to match his conference record. Benedictine totaled 281 yards in the defeat. Brown put together a 100-yard performance by rushing 14 times for 101 yards and a touchdown. Williams gained 46 yards on nine carries. Moore hauled in four passes for 89 yards and a touchdown while
Jameel Stephens caught four to total 41 yards.
The defense was led by 10 tackles each from
Scottie Bobeck and
Jack Drummond. Drummond notched a pair of tackles for loss.
Gregory Coleman recorded a sack and three tackles for loss.
Benedictine (2-5, 2-2 NACC) travels to Lakeland next Saturday.
