PLYMOUTH, WI - The Benedictine University football team totaled nearly 400 yards but suffered a 52-42 loss at Lakeland University.
The first quarter would not indicate the temp of the game as both teams labored to put points on the board.
James Ellis put a halt to Lakeland's first drive with an interception. Another interception from Ellis helped to set up the first points of the game. Starting at the Lakeland 23,
Joshua Williams turned the mistake into points with a one-yard plunge with 3:38 left in the first quarter. Lakeland answered with a 31-yard touchdown run as time expired in the quarter but missed the extra point.
A big return on the ensuing kickoff by
Alex Mitchell set up a short field for
Quin Brown, who extended the lead to 14-6 with a nine-yard run on the first offensive play of the second quarter. Lakeland scored on the next three possessions, all on the ground, to open a 30-14 edge with 6:30 remaining in the half. Williams found the endzone again, surging in from eight yards away to complete an eight-play drive and make the score 30-21 with 3:36 to go in the half.
Alex Lopez came away with a key play on the scoring drive, reeling in a 36-yard completion from
Nick Sternad. A field goal attempt at the end of the half was blocked.
The hosts opened a 38-21 lead on the first drive of the second half. Williams scored for a third time to kick off the fourth quarter, finishing a 10-play drive to draw Benedictine within 38-28. The drive opened a frantic fourth quarter. Lakeland countered with a 40-yard TD rush to go up 44-28. The teams punted on back-to-back trips before a pair of big completions to
Brandon Moore allowed Benedictine to score again on a 12-yard pass play midway through the fourth, making the score 44-34.
Lakeland needed only two plays and a penalty to score again, opening a 52-34 lead with 7:52 left following a big run. The defense came up with a pair of big stops late.
Scottie Bobeck recovered a fumble to allow Moore to reel in a 20-yard score with 4:33 to go, pulling Benedictine within 52-42 after a two-point conversion. The defense was able to force a punt, but an interception ended the game.
Benedictine finished with 393 yards, 144 rushing and 249 passing. Williams ran for 130 yard and three scores on 24 carries. Sternad finished with 249 yards passing and two touchdowns. Moore hauled in a season high 10 passes for 129 yards with two touchdowns.
Jack Drummond led the defense with 13 tackles, a sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss. Bobeck added 11 tackles with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Daytwone Burge and
Alec McCarthy tacked on nine tackles each. Lakeland saw three players run for over 100 yards, totaling 495 yards on the ground.
Benedictine (2-6, 2-3 NACC) plays at home for the final time this season next week against Aurora.
