Game Leaders
Team Stats
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Turnovers
Time of Poss.
LISLE, Ill. - The Benedictine University football team clinched a share of the NACC Championship and secured the automatic bid to the NCAA Playoffs with a 16-0 blanking of Lakeland on Saturday.
Benedictine took the lead on the first play of the game and used a shut down defense the hold the advantage. Lakeland managed only 54 total yards on 52 plays. The Eagles ended the season in a three-way tie for first and needed a 16-point win to reach the playoffs by virtue of a point differential tiebreaker, which reverted to head-to-head with Lakeland.
Artie Monaco broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run on the first offensive play of the game to put Benedictine ahead 6-0. Benedictine moved into Lakeland territory on three other occasions in the half but could not score another point, holding a 6-0 lead at the half.
Drew Keil kicked a 22-yard field goal on the first offensive possession of the second half to extend the lead to 9-0 following a nine-play drive. Another drive deep into Lakeland territory stalled at the five yardline late in the third quarter. Stefan Herron notched his second interception to set up the final score of the game. Ryan Keener required just one play to connect with Greg German on a 43-yard score to make the advantage 16-0.
Benedictine intercepted four passes in the game with two from Herron, one from Keil, and another from Rodney Nichols. Lakeland netted -16 yards rushing in the game. Benedictine gained 372 yards and held a 37:47-22:13 advantage in time of possession. The shutout marked the second of the season for the Eagles. Benedictine also blanked Aurora 26-0.
Monaco ran for 134 yards on 23 carries in just over two quarters of action. Keener completed 13-of-27 pass attempts for 156 yards. Omar Lopez caught six passes. Jarrett Lecas led the defense with eight tackles. The defense also notched three sacks and broke up seven passes.
Benedictine (6-4, 5-1) will learn the destination for the playoffs on Sunday night. The Eagles last reached the playoffs in 2011, falling 47-7 at Mt. Union and have also visited St. Thomas in 2010. The 2014 appearance will be the third in five seasons, the first school from the NACC to make three appearances.