Battling wet conditions, the Benedictine University football team was able to rack up nearly 300 yards on the ground to grab a 19-7 road conference win on wet grass.
Rockford won the toss and opted to receive, driving down the field to score their lone points of the day, capturing a 7-0 lead at the 11:10 mark of the opening quarter.
Joshua Coats intercepted a pass to end a long Rockford drive early in the second quarter to help turn momentum. Benedictine countered with an 11-play drive, drawing within 7-6 on an 18-yard touchdown run from
Evan Wydajewski with 9:57 to go in the half.
Blake Shoddie escaped for a 33-yard scamper following a punt as Benedictine opened a 13-7 edge with 4:40 left in the half. Taking advantage of a short field after Rockford failed to convert on fourth and two, Wydajewski spotted a wide open
Hundley Stallings for the final points of the game with just 13 seconds remaining in the half.
Gregory Hoard ran 19 times for 106 yards, and average of over five yards per carry. Shoddie added 98 yards on 16 attempts with Wydajewski rushing six times for 78 yards.
Tyler Walker led the defense with 15 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Jack Hayden added 10 stops with a sack.
Brian Pritt also picked up a sack.
Benedictine (2-3, 2-2 NACC) hosts Lakeland next Saturday afternoon.
