For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

September 23, 2006

Falcons reign in Red Devils' drizzly home opener

The Eureka College 2006 Illini-Badger Football Conference season began in many ways right where the 2005 conference season ended — in the rain and on the short end of a lopsided score versus the Concordia University Falcons. Veteran led Concordia (WI), who is receiving votes for consideration for the top 25 in the national polls, raced out to a 28-0 lead after the first quarter and cruised to a 56-0 victory.

The Falcons had only one sustained drive in the quarter, but scored on their first four possessions. Aaron Gillespie raced 90 yards on the opening kickoff to begin the scoring. Concordia then marched 73 yard on seven plays for their second score capped by a John Collier sliding grab in the end zone from 32 yards out. He caught the pass from back up quarterback Matt Selby after the starter, Justin Lewis, left with an injury on an option play on the third play of the drive. Selby tossed four scoring strikes on the day.

The Falcons took over inside the Red Devils' 10 yard line on the next two drives thanks to superb special teams plays. Adam Schultz blocked a punt to set up a Gillespie one yard plunge and Mike Steinmetz returned a short punt 30 yards to the Eureka three setting up Tim Maher's three yard touchdown reception.

Faced with a steep uphill battle for the rest of the afternoon, the Red Devils buckled down from the second quarter on to keep the score at a respectable level. Eureka turned back the Falcons on back-to-back first-and-goal situations from the one yard line. Freshman Cody Troutman (Bloomington, Ill./Normal Community) made a nice leaping grab in the end zone for an interception to stop the first drive and recovered a Gillespie fumble for a touchback on the next drive.

The Red Devils appeared to be on their way to slicing into the 28-0 deficit late in the first half, moving the ball to the Concordia 24, but the home crowd was treated to yet another revolting turn of events that would further cement the Red Devils fate. With just over one minute left in the half, EC quarterback Shaun Manning (Minonk, Ill./Fieldcrest) dropped back and lost control of the ball trying to elude the rush of Bobby Langston. The ball rolled all the way back to the 42 where Langston fell on it. Five plays later, Selby hit Ricardo Levy on a slant for a 19 yard touchdown pass to make the score 35-0 with 16 seconds left in the half.

"When we get inside the 30 offensively, we have to get points...a touchdown or field goal" said Eureka coach Dan Sullivan. "We need to get better on special teams and maintaining coverage downfield."

Damon Mehlberg (Bloomington, Ill./HS) played a key role in Eureka's four longest offensive plays of the day. He had a 21 yard rush and receptions of 24, 28 and 40 yards all coming on short passes followed by long runs. Freshman receiver Samuel Hendricks (Danvers, Ill./U-High) made a key block downfield, springing Mehlberg on his 40 yard catch and run. A senior transfer, Mehlberg is one of very few experienced players in the Red Devils lineup. Eureka's starting lineup on the day was dotted with eight sophomores and six freshmen. By contrast, Concordia started four sophomores and zero freshman. Coach Sullivan lamented that fact after the game.

"Give credit to Concordia," said Sullivan. "They are junior and senior dominated. We made a lot of freshmen and sophomore mistakes. Every kid at every position really fought and fought. There was no give up. No kid didn't give 100 percent. We're starting to build the right attitude around here."

Eureka continued to struggle on third down, converting on just two of 15 opportunities, but did extend drives twice on fourth down. Senior linebacker Luke Hermes (Heyworth, Ill./Central Catholic) joined Troutman in leading the EC defense with seven tackles. Freshman Kyle Edgar (Arcola, Ill./Arcola) booted booming punts of 66, 47 and 45 yards in the second half. The Red Devils had the ball for nearly 37 minutes, compared to Concordia's 23.

The Falcons rushed for 333 yards, which was six less than their average coming in. Gillespie had 119 yards on 16 carries. Selby threw for 169 yards, connecting with Collier on four passes for 115 yards.

Eureka continues league play next Saturday, Sept. 30 on the road against Concordia University Chicago. Game time is set for 1:00 pm.

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For More Information Contact:

Brian Sullivan

Sports Information Director

Eureka College

300 E. College Avenue

Eureka, Illinois 61530

309-467-6456

bsullivan@eureka.edu