CHICAGO, Ill. – The Elmhurst football team opened CCIW play with a 23-20 road victory over North Park University.

Elmhurst (1-2 overall) spoiled North Park's (1-2, 0-1 CCIW) homecoming with the game-winning touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter.
 
Orlando Hernandez tossed three touchdown passes while Matt Brachmann caught two TDs for the Bluejays, including the game-winner.
 
Elmhurst jumped on the scoreboard first, capping a 13-play, 72-yard drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Hernandez to Brachmann. The extra point attempt was blocked keeping Elmhurst's lead at 6-0.
 
North Park surged in front with a pair of long scoring drives, taking a 14-6 lead midway through the second quarter. Elmhurst closed to within a point just before the half as Hernandez hit Hasahn Austin from 18 yards out with just 29 seconds left on the clock.
 
Elmhurst went in front at the end of the third quarter on a Blake Bailey field goal. After pinning North Park deep inside their own territory, the Bluejays took over the Vikings' 19-yard line after a short punt and a Vikings' penalty. The Bluejays went in front on the final play of the third quarter when Blake Bailey knocked home a 34-yard field goal attempt.
 
North Park went back in front with just five minutes remaining when Frank Mauigoa ripped off a 44-yard touchdown run to put the Vikings up 20-16.
 
Jawan Gaines gave Elmhurst a spark on the ensuing kickoff, return the ball 48 yards to the Vikings' 43-yard line. Elmhurst needed just six plays to go in front as Hernandez found Brachmann wide open for an eight-yard touchdown pass with just two minutes left.
 
The Bluejays' defense stopped North Park on the next possession, giving the ball back to Elmhurst and allowing the team to run out the clock.

Elmhurst outgained North Park 291-253 for the contest. The two teams were almost equal in rushing yardage with North Park outgaining Elmhurst by just one yard on the ground (119-118). Elmhurst passed for 173 yards while North Park totaled 134 through the air. Elmhurst was solid on third down, converting 8-of-16 third down attempts into first downs.
 
Hernandez led the Bluejays offense on the ground with 46 yards on 12 carries. He completed 19 of 31 passes through the air for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Brachmann was the team's leading receiver, hauling in six passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns.
 
Maugioa led North Park on the ground with 13 carries for 98 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
 
Brandon Dominski led Elmhurst's defense with 11 tackles while also forcing a fumble. Joe Nixon added nine stops, including a sack, and a forced fumble. Tyler Hosman and Tristan Bolas both picked off North Park passes in the win.
 
Elmhurst hosts Wheaton College next Saturday, September 23, at Langhorst Field.