ROCKFORD, Ill. — The Elmhurst University football team defeated Rockford University, 28-14, on Saturday afternoon at Sam Greeley Field.
Elmhurst (1-1) opened the scoring with a 13-yard touchdown pass from
Justin Carlson to
Jonathan Billions with 10:55 remaining in the first quarter. The Bluejays extended their lead to 13-0 when
Jack Fletcher recovered a Rockford (0-2) fumble and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the opening quarter.
Rockford answered with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Vasavilbaso to Kenny Moten-Barden with 4:22 left in the second quarter, but Elmhurst responded before halftime. Carlson found
Antonio Russell for an 11-yard touchdown with 47 seconds remaining in the half, and Billions added the 2-point conversion on the ground.
The Blue and White held a 21-7 advantage heading into halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Regents used a two-yard rushing touchdown from Brandon Edwards to cut the Elmhurst lead to seven (21-14). Carlson completed 14-of-25 passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Russell was his top target, hauling in four passes for 55 yards and two touchdowns, including a 37-yard score with 2:01 remaining in the fourth quarter that put the game out of reach.
Billions added six receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. He also carried 16 times for 24 yards.
The Bluejays' defense forced two Rockford fumbles and recovered both.
Jaden Genova and
Javier Young each recorded a sack and forced fumble.
Jace Zeffiro led Elmhurst with 17 tackles, while
Ryan Burton added eight tackles and three tackles for loss.
Rockford outgained Elmhurst 302-176, including a 277-130 advantage through the air, but the Bluejays capitalized on the Regents' two lost fumbles.
Up Next: Elmhurst kicks off College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin play against Carroll University on Saturday, Sept. 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. from Langhorst Field.
