Game Leaders
Team Stats
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Time of Poss.
LISLE, Ill. - The Benedictine University football team scored 32 points in the second half to rally past Concordia University Wisconsin on homecoming, overcoming a 28-7 deficit in a 39-35 win.
Benedictine scored the final 15 points of the game, taking the lead for the first time in the game when Ryan Sample connected with Elijah Walker on an 11-yard touchdown with 4:46 remaining. The touchdown marked the third of the game for Walker, who caught nine passes 125 yards. The play finished a 10-play drive after the defense, which had trouble slowing the visitors all afternoon, forced a three-and-out.
"This was a big win," head coach Jon Cooper said. "I thought we played a poor first half, but we still believed and were confident. The key was to stop their quarterback. We played well in the second half and came back."
Concordia Wisconsin led 21-7 at the half, limiting the Benedictine offense early. The lone first half touchdown came on an eight-yard run from Joshua Williams with 4:36 remaining in the first half. The Falcons scored on the opening possession of the second half to extend the lead to 28-7. Sample took over mid-way through the third. The Benedictine first year starter at quarterback completed four passes of more than 10 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown to Walker, pulling within 28-14 at the 8:53 mark.
Following a three-and-out, Sample again need just four plays to bring Benedictine within 28-21, completing four more passes, including an 18-yard strike to Walker with 6:13 left. Benedictine recovered a fumble late in the third, setting up a 24-yard field goal from Jose Santiago, who had an earlier attempt blocked. The field goal, as a result of the lone turnover forced, made the score 28-24. Concordia Wisconsin quickly responded, using just four plays to extend the lead to 35-24.
Jesse Kilbourn became the favorite target on the ensuing drive, reeling in five passes as part of a 10-play drive. Jake Valas caught a two-yard score and on a near identical play, grabbed the two-point conversion to make the score 35-32 with 9:17 remaining. Sample used his legs to extend the drive on a fourth-and-seven, running for eight yards to convert following a timeout. The defense forced a three-and-out to set up the winning score, which came following another 10-play drive.
The teams combined for nearly 1,000 yards. Benedictine totaled 534 yards, 153 on the ground and 381 through the air. Benedictine held the ball for over 37 minutes of the game and won despite converting on just 2-of-14 third downs. The Eagles made eight visits to the red zone, resulting in five touchdowns and a field goal.
Sample threw for 381 yards with four touchdowns and added 43 yards rushing. The sophomore completed 33 passes to seven receivers. Derek Miles carried the ball 15 times for 96 yards, 46 of which came on one carry. Kilbourn caught 10 passes for 93 yards. Micayel McKechnie paced the defense with 16 tackles. Jarrett Lecas added 11. Joe Dickert and Jack Nudo each recorded a sack.
Benedictine (4-2, 2-0 NACC) travels to Concordia Chicago next Saturday afternoon.