Box Score

ELMHURST, Ill. - Matt D'Angelo (McHenry/McHenry East) broke or tied three single-game receiving records while leading the Elmhurst College football team to a 35-14 victory over Benedictine University.

D'Angelo scored all five of Elmhurst's touchdowns while registering the best single-game performance by a wide receiver in Elmhurst history. He equaled the school's single-game record for receptions with 13 and broke the Elmhurst single-game record for touchdown receptions (five) and receiving yardage (256). By combining his receiving yards with his punt/kick return yards, D'Angelo accounted for 352 all-purpose yards in the win.

After a scoreless first quarter, Elmhurst (1-0) got on the scoreboard early in the second half. Chris Kudyba (Des Plaines/Elk Grove) capped a seven-play, 66-yard drive by hitting D'Angelo for a diving 12-yard touchdown.

After a Benedictine (0-1) punt, Kudyba found D'Angelo down the middle of the field for a 63-yard touchdown strike to put the Bluejays up 14-0.

Just two series later, Kudyba found D'Angelo streaking past the Benedictine defensive backs for a 61-yard score.

Elmhurst looked like it would carry a 21-0 lead into the locker room at halftime, but Benedictine mounted a late surge as Derek Hitt capped a seven-play, 62-yard drive with a 46-yard touchdown strike to Brandin Austin. The score cut Elmhurst's lead to 21-7 at halftime.

Following a missed field goal by Benedictine, the Bluejays marched down the field with Kudyba hitting D'Angelo for an 11-yard score to give the Bluejays a 28-7 advantage.

Benedictine took advantage of a fumbled punt return to pull to within two touchdowns. The Eagles capped a five-play, 34-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run by Eric Ritter.

Elmhurst answered right back on its next possession, driving 54 yards in seven plays for a score. Kudyba found D'Angelo for a 27-yard touchdown pass to give the Bluejays the 35-14 win.

Kudyba finished the contest 23-of-32 for 357 yards and five touchdowns. His five touchdown passes, matched a single-game Elmhurst passing record.

Elmhurst outgained Benedictine 462-196. The Bluejays rolled up 357 yards through the air and 105 on the ground. Benedictine totaled 130 yards through the air and 66 yards on the ground.

D'Angelo led all receivers with 13 catches for 256 yards and five touchdowns. Ryan Gierke (Elburn/Kaneland) hauled in three passes for 68 yards. Jarred Sherrod (Portage, Mich./Portage Central) led the Elmhurst ground game, carrying 15 times for 59 yards. Griffin Gibson (Stevensville, Mich./Lakeshore) added 49 yards on 10 carries.

Hitt completed eight of his 20 pass attempts for 130 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Ryan Schwartz carried 12 times for 45 yards to lead the Eagles on the ground. Shawn Morris was Benedictine's top receiver, catching two passes for 44 yards.

Randy Wright (Bellwood/Fenwick) led the Bluejay defense by recording 17 tackles, including nine solo stops. Wright also recorded four tackles for a loss of 21 yards, including a quarterback sack. Eric Puzon (Wheaton/Wheaton Warrenville South) and Jon Janus (Lake Zurich/H.S.) each recorded seven tackles in the win.

Elmhurst travels to Olivet College (Mich.) on Saturday, September 13.