ELMHURST, Ill. – The Elmhurst University football team struck first, but could not hold off the surge of Carthage as they fell 57-21 at Langhorst Field. 

Carthage (1-3/1-2 CCIW) had a balanced offense to secure the win. The Firebirds had four passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and three interceptions for scores. 

Elmhurst (0-4/0-3 CCIW) held the possession for 31:32 for the game. Elmhurst was consistent through the first three quarters putting touchdowns on the board in each. To start the scoring Aidan Pollock rushed one yard to score early in the game with 9:51 on the clock in the first. This came from an 11 play offensive series for the Bluejays. Second quarter scoring came in the air from Connor Buyck with a 22-yard pass to Gabe Holtke 6:40 left in the half. The final touchdown for the Bluejays featured the same pair this time a 5-yard pass 5:00 into the second half. 
 
Carthage had an incredible second quarter to take a 41-14 lead into the locker room at the half. Quarterback Cristian Beltran threw for three touchdowns to lead the offensive charge in the second quarter. Rey Guarjardo started the scoring with a rushing touchdown 1:58 left in the quarter. A big interception continued the scoring for Carthage by Garnett Warner with the 60 yard return at 0:00 on the clock. The second quarter scoring came by way of a reception by Sylvere Campbell 10:59 on the clock. Next to the endzone for the Firebirds was in the air to Jordan Wiles with 5:31 on the clock. Beltran's final touchdown was to Alex Jarvis for 66 yards with 2:54 on the clock. 

Elmhurst finished with 358 total yards of offense, passing for 207 yards and rushing 151. Carthage totaled 404 yards of offense, rushing for 127 and passing for 277.
 
Pollock led the Bluejays on the ground rushing 18 times for 79 yards. Julian Cavallo had 15 carries for 66 yards. 

Aidan Pollock led the Bluejays on the ground, rushing eight times for 88 yards with on touchdown. Cavallo carried 13 times for 56 yards and a touchdown. Buyck completed 17-of-38 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns.
 
Carthage maintained balanced scoring with four different receivers finding the endzone. Beltran finished the game 17-30 with four touchdowns and 254 yards. Bryce Lowe also made an appearance throwing 3-7 for 23 yards. 
 
Elmhurst's defense was led by Jake Masco with eight tackles and Gino Cerrone with seven tackles. Cerrone completed six solo tackles. Adding to the defense was Bryce Gable with four tackles, one for a loss, and an interception. 
 
Elmhurst travels to face Wheaton College next weekend, October 8^th.