ADRIAN, Mich. - The Elmhurst University football team dropped their 2024 season opener, 20-55, to Adrian College Saturday afternoon.

Elmhurst (0-1) jumped out to a quick 20-0 lead just six minutes into the game, building a lead and momentum. However, the Bulldogs (1-0) would go on to score 55 unanswered points to take the opener.

Offensivley, RJ Anderson led the Jays with two receptions for 44 yards and the lone offensive touchdown in the game for Elmhurst. On the defensive side, Jace Zeffiro tallied 12 tackles to lead Elmhurst, while Charles Scott totaled ten tackles. Connor Devires had a tremendous game for Elmhurst, totaling eight tackles with a forced fumble and an interception returned for a touchdown. 

Special teams was also a highlight for Elmhurst, as Talyn West blocked a field goal and ran it back 85-yards for a touchdown, while punter Giovanni Orestano totaled 237 punting yards, including a long of 62-yards.

Elmhurst started strong on the defensive side, with Devries picking off the Bulldogs and running it back 34 yards for an Elmhurst lead, 7-0. West's 85-yard field goal blocked for a touchdown made it 14-0 Bluejays, and the Bulldogs would muff the ball on the ensuing kickoff to give it back to Elmhurst. The very next play, John Odom found a striding Anderson down the right sideline for a touchdown, and a missed extra point made it 20-0 Elmhurst just 5:39 into the game.

The Bluejays' first six minutes fireworks would soon come to and end, as the Bulldogs tallied 55-straight points to take the game, 20-55.

UP NEXT

The Bluejays are off next weekend, and look forward to the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 21, hosting Illinois Wesleyan University under the lights for a 6:00 p.m. CT kickoff at Langhorst Field.

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