ELMHURST, Ill. – The Elmhurst University football team battled back from an early deficit but came up short in a 42-21 loss to Millikin University on Saturday afternoon at Langhorst Field.
The Big Blue jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the first half before adding another touchdown early in the third quarter to extend its advantage to 35-0. Millikin's (4-5, 3-4 CCIW) early scoring was led by A.J. Lee, who recorded four rushing touchdowns.
The Bluejays responded with a strong second-half effort, putting together back-to-back scoring drives in the third quarter.
Peter Dodson punched in a 1-yard rushing touchdown to cap an 11-play, 73-yard drive. Elmhurst (1-7 0-6) followed with another touchdown as
Justin Carlson connected with
Andrew Fox for a 31-yard pass, cutting the deficit to 35-14.
Millikin answered with a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but Elmhurst continued to fight. Carlson found Dodson once again for a 4-yard touchdown pass with 4:59 remaining, capping an eight-play, 62-yard drive and bringing the score to 42-21.
Defensively, the Bluejays recorded two interceptions to disrupt the Big Blue offense.
Jayvon King returned an interception 33 yards, while
Damien Cadena also came away with a pick.
Jace Zeffiro led Elmhurst with nine total tackles, including four solo stops.
Lucas Masek added six tackles and a tackle for loss, while
Javier Young recorded two tackles for loss.
Carlson finished with 346 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 31-of-47 attempts.
Antonio Russell led all receivers with nine catches for 135 yards. Fox added 52 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Dodson contributed both a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown.
Up Next: The Blue and White travel to Wheaton, Ill. to face off against the No. 1-ranked Wheaton College Thunder on Saturday, Nov. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. from McCully Stadium.
