The Benedictine University football team kicked off the 2026 season by cruising to a 41-14 victory at Buena Vista University on Saturday night.
Benedictine opened the season by marching down the field and converting on a field goal. The drive stalled at the five yardline but
Carter Velez booted a 22-yard field goal to lead 3-0. The points were the only points of the first quarter from either team.
Jake Diamantos blocked a field goal at the end of the first as Buena Vista attempted to tie the game. Following the block, Benedictine methodically moved down the field, opening a 10-0 lead when
Marcus Martin connected with Jason Moore on a five-yard touchdown with 10:44 left in the first half. Benedictine forced a punt on the ensuing possession and
Tyler Pospisil broke away for a 42-yard touchdown run as the lead grew to 17-0 with 7:18 remaining in the second. A lengthy drive brought the hosts within 17-7 before the half.
After recovering a fumble on the first defensive possession of the second half, Martin hit
Alex Siebens for a 48-yard score, pushing the lead to 24-7 with 13:21 left in the third. Siebens snared another touchdown following a punt, reeling in a 31-yard pass to make the score 31-7 midway through the third. An interception set the stage for Velez to boot another field goal from 22 yards late in the third as the lead reached 34-7. Pospisil scooted seven yards early in the fourth for the final score of the game.
Benedictine piled up 453 yards of offense with a balanced attack that featured 201 yards on the ground and 252 through the air. Martin completed 19-of-26 attempts for 252 yards with three touchdowns in his Benedictine debut. Pospisil gained 131 yards on the ground on 14 carries. Siebens amassed 113 yards on five receptions to go with two touchdowns.
Vince Irion led the defense with nine tackles.
Benedictine (1-0) opens the home schedule next Saturday at 6pm against Loras.
