LISLE, IL - The Benedictine University football team scored 35 points in the second half to pull away from visiting Eureka College and grab a 49-29 homecoming victory.

Benedictine opened the game by forcing a three-and-out before grabbing an early 7-0 lead. Tyler Jarnagin hit Sami Ayash for a 27-yard touchdown, the first of many connections on the afternoon, with 10:39 left in the opening quarter. Eureka came back with a 10-play drive but missed the extra point in pulling within 7-6. The visitors were able to take the lead at 13-7 just before the end of the first.

Jarnagin connected with Anthony Senerchia on a 26-yard score to put Benedictine back in front at 14-13 early in the second after a 10-play drive. Following a late interception, Eureka was able to move the ball just enough to kick a 37-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to lead 16-14.

Neither team scored on their first chance in the second half but Ayash reeled in a 25-yard score on the second possession to put Benedictine in front 21-16 and start a second half surge. Ayash caught another touchdown pass on the next trip, this time a 22-yard strike, to extend the advantage to 28-16. Ayash caught a 52-yard pass to help set up a two-yard pass to Senerchia to make the score 35-16 with 1:11 left in the third.

The lead reached 42-16 early in the fourth on a 46-yard deep pass to Deandre Holliday. Nathan Rillo escaped for a 34-yard run to finish the scoring with just over five minutes to play in the game.

Jarnagin threw for 352 yards and six touchdowns, completing 23 passes and also led the team with 59 yards rushing. Ayash caught eight passes for 169 yards with three touchdowns. Ahmad Washington led the defense again with 12 tackles while Jalaan Owens added 10. Benedictine amassed 562 yards of offense while holding Eureka to just 267 on 70 plays.

Benedictine (3-1, 2-0 NACC) travels to St. Norbert on Saturday.