Elmhurst, IL – The Elmhurst University football team battled throughout a defensive matchup on the road but fell 17–0 to Washington University in St. Louis on Saturday afternoon at Francis Olympic Field.
Elmhurst opened the game with an immediate spark on special teams as Julius Maddox forced a fumble on the opening kickoff, recovering the ball himself at the WashU 12-yard line. The Bluejays capitalized on the short field with a four-play series that reached the nine-yard line, highlighted by a John Odom three-yard rush and an end-zone throw toward A.D. Russell, but WashU's defense held firm to force a turnover on downs.
The Bears countered with a 91-yard drive, capped by a 32-yard quarterback keeper for the game's first score midway through the opening quarter. After Elmhurst's next series ended in a punt, WashU sustained a 16-play, 78-yard possession that bridged the first and second quarters, adding a 20-yard field goal early in the second for a 10–0 lead.
Elmhurst's offense found rhythm on its next drive as Odom connected with Russell for completions of 13 and 7 yards before a penalty stalled the series. Punter Giovanni Orestano flipped the field with a 35-yard kick to the Bears' 45, but WashU struck quickly on the ensuing possession. A 45-yard touchdown pass extended the lead to 17–0 with 9:53 remaining in the half.
The s produced their longest drive of the day late in the second quarter, stringing together runs from Jeffery Elms and Odom to move out from deep in their own territory before the half expired.
The game was delayed for several hours, but both teams broke through the rainy tempo to finish a half making the game official.
Odom finished 4-of-8 passing for 30 yards while adding 10 rushing yards on two carries. Russell led all Elmhurst receivers with three catches for 32 yards. Elms added eight rushing attempts and one reception, while Orestano averaged 47.0 yards per punt with a long of 56, placing two inside the 20-yard line.
Defensively, Justin Harris paced the Bluejays with eight total tackles, followed by Malakai Correa with seven and Mason Allen and Etor Agbenya with five apiece. Maddox's forced fumble and recovery on the opening kickoff highlighted the day for the special teams unit.
The Bluejays will return home eager to host Carroll University at Langhorst Field Saturday, October 25.
