ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Elmhurst football team upped its record to 2-1 in the CCIW after scoring a 14-3 victory over Augustana College.
Elmhurst (3-2 overall) used a dominant performance from its defense to help secure the team's fifth victory over Augustana (2-3, 1-2 CCIW) since the 2010 season.
The Bluejays' defense turned in another impressive performance, limiting Augustana to just three points on 10 first down and 267 yards of total offense. The Bluejays also registered three sacks and recorded a pair of turnovers, with an interception leading to Elmhurst's first points of the game. Augustana recorded 123 yards on three long plays in the contest, but managed just 144 yards over its remaining 58 plays, an average of just 2.5 yards per play. The Vikings crossed midfield on only four of their 13 possessions.
The first quarter was scoreless after Elmhurst twice drove inside the Augustana 25-yard line, but came up empty. A failed fourth down conversion and a missed field goal ended both of the Bluejays' first quarter chances.
A second quarter interception by
Brian Tucker helped lead to the Bluejays' first score of the game. Tucker picked of Augustana quarterback Zachary Fuller near midfield and returned the pick to the Vikings' 26-yard line. Facing a third-and-nine,
Orlando Hernandez kept the drive alive for Elmhurst with a 14-yard run down to the Vikings' 11-yard line. On the very next play, Danny Bourgault scampered into the end zone to give Elmhurst a 7-0 lead following the extra point.
Elmhurst carried the 7-0 lead into the locker room at halftime after allowing the Vikings just 106 yards of offense in the opening half.
The Vikings scored their only points of the contest early in the third quarter, driving 55 yards to Elmhurst 25-yard line before settling for a 42-yard field goal from Jacob Stytz.
Elmhurst put the game out of reach early in the fourth quarter. The Bluejays needed just four plays to move 80 yards and score their second touchdown of the game. A Hernandez 31-yard completion to
Kaylon Miller followed by a 16-yard run from Ben Hallway moved the Bluejays' to the Vikings' 30-yard line in just two plays. Hernandez connected with
Justin Ward on a 30-yard touchdown pass with just under 8:30 remaining on the clocks.
The Bluejays outgained Augustana 322-267 in the contest. Elmhurst rushed for 148 yards while passing for 174. Augustana compiled 217 yards through the air, but the Bluejays' defense allowed only 50 rushing yards on 29 attempts. Elmhurst dominated the time of possession, enjoying over a 9:30 advantage (34:46-25:14) for the contest.
Hernandez accounted for 235 yards of Elmhurst's offense in the win. He rushed 17 times for a team-leading 61 yards while also completing 14-of-23 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown. The Bluejays did not turn the ball over on offense in the victory. Miller was Hernandez's top-target, catching five passes for 85 yards.
Fuller completed 14-of-32 passes for 217 yards to lead the Vikings in the loss. Ryan Pitra led the Vikings on the ground with 63 yards on 21 carries.
Sean Wetherell and
Andy Warsen paced the Bluejays' defense in the victory. Wetherell recorded a team-leading 11 tackles in the win. Warsen reached double figures in tackles as well, totaling 10, while also registering two tackles for loss, a sack and a pass break-up.
Perode Charles finished with eight tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and fumble recovery, while Tucker added seven stops to go with his interception.
In the Bluejays' three CCIW contests this season, the defense has allowed opponents an average of just 242. 7 yards per contest while also forcing seven turnovers.
Elmhurst hosts Carroll University next Saturday, October 8, as part of the College's annual homecoming weekend. Kick off against the Pioneers is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
