Box Score
ELMHURST, Ill. – The Elmhurst College football team dropped to 3-1 on the season following a 42-6 loss to Augustana College in both team's CCIW opening contest.
The win was Augustana's 22nd straight victory over Elmhurst. The Vikings (3-1, 1-0 CCIW) improved to 50-3 all-time against Elmhurst (one tie).
Augustana jumped on the scoreboard in the closing seconds of the first quarter. QB Tim Podulka scrambled into the end zone from 10 yards out to cap a 7-play, 92-yard drive. The big play on the drive came when Podulka hit Aaron Kwasigroch for a 69 yard pass to move the Vikings deep into Elmhurst territory after starting the drive inside their own 15-yard line.
The Vikings added a second touchdown late in the second quarter. Podulka capped an 8-play, 75-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Henry Deters.
Elmhurst drove inside the Augustana 25-yard line in the final seconds of the first half, but the Vikings sacked Bluejay QB Chris Kudyba on a fourth-and-one.
Augustana went up 21-0 on its first possession of the third quarter. The Vikings drove 80 yards in 10 plays. Josh Galliart capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown plunge.
Elmhurst's offense got rolling after Augustana's third score. The Bluejays took advantage of a short kickoff, marching 58 yards in 10 plays. Kudyba capped the drive with a 14-yard scramble for a touchdown. The Bluejays' extra-point attempt was blocked, leaving Elmhurst trailing 21-6.
After a three-and-out by the Vikings, Elmhurst was threatening to score again, driving to the Augustana 25-yard line. Kudyba's passed tipped of an Elmhurst receiver's hands and was intercepted by Brad Monier.
Augustana pulled away in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on three Elmhurst turnovers. The Vikings converted three fourth quarter turnovers into three fourth quarter touchdowns.
After a Kudyba fumble, Jake Parke capped a 33-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown run giving Augustana a 28-6 lead. The Vikings added a 5-yard touchdown run from Henry Deters after Billy Lynch picked off Kudyba and returned the ball 29 yards to the Elmhurst 5-yard line. After a Kudyba interception, the Vikings moved 53 yards in just two plays. Robert Wood capped the drive with a 12-yard TD run to give Augustana a 42-6 lead.
Augustana outgained Elmhurst 405-285. The Vikings rushed 47 times for 211 yards while passing for 194 yards. The Bluejays finished with 259 yards through the air and only 26 rushing yards.
Kudyba finished 25-of-44 for 259 yards for Elmhurst. He also rushed 14 times for six yards and scored a touchdown. Mitch Holmer was the Bluejays' top receiver, catching seven passes for 78 yards.
Podulka was the star for Augustana, rushing 16 times for 60 yards and a touchdown, while also completing 15-of-18 pass attempts for 194 yards and a score. Kwasigroch was the Vikings' top target, catching six passes for 130 yards.
Defensively, the Bluejays were led by Randy Wright's 18 tackles. Wright finished with five solo stops and 13 assisted tackles. Jon Janus added 13 tackles and Dane Paul finished with 11 tackles and an interception.
The Vikings' defense was led by Andrew Schweitzer's seven tackles. Eric Smith recorded three sacks. Augustana combined to sack Kudyba eight times in the contest.
Elmhurst will look to rebound next week when they travel to Carthage College on Saturday, October 11.
