For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

October 7, 2006

Carr, Lindsey break EC TD drought against Muskies

Despite an overall better performance by the young Red Devils than in their first two conference games, co-league leading Lakeland College (3-3, 3-0 IBFC) easily discarded of Eureka College (0-5, 0-3 IBFC) 45-6 in Illini-Badger Football Conference action Saturday afternoon.

To the casual eye, a 39 point defeat would be cause for much concern. But there were some bright spots provided by the home team far beyond what the sunny 70 degree conditions could provide at Eureka. The Red Devils, who threw a starting line up consisting of 19 freshmen and sophomores at the Muskies, had not scored a touchdown against Lakeland in six games dating back to 1999 until senior Chris Carr (El Paso, Ill./HS) slipped behind the coverage and freshman quarterback Nick Lindsey (Homer, Ill./Heritage) found him for a 43 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.

"I'm excited about the second half of the year," said Eureka Head Coach Dan Sullivan. "Even though we're 0-5, we are learning how to compete. These players are all-in and they are going to stay the course."

Eureka nearly played even with the Muskies in the first quarter, trailing only 7-0 courtesy of a two yard run by Dominique Collins. EC had its hands full with the power rushing attack of Collins, who rumbled for 140 yards and two scores on 23 carries in the game.

After coming up empty on a drive of eight plays and 45 yards on their first possession that ended in a missed field goal, the Red Devils pieced together a crisp looking 11 play drive that reached the Lakeland 15 yard line following 17 yard scramble by Lindsey on the final play of the opening quarter. The second stanza began with a disastrous turn of events, however, as a wide receiver pass fell into the hands of Lakeland's Brent Miller, who was not brought down until he reached EC territory.

"The kids played their tails off," continued Sullivan. "We were able to move the ball on one of the better defenses in the conference. On the trick play, we had the receiver open, but the ball unfortunately slipped out of (Drew Whightsil's) hand."

The veteran Muskies were not a about to let a golden opportunity to increase their lead slip by. Collins charged in from five yards out and Lakeland's lead was 14-0. Later in the half, a Billy Hughes 26 yard field goal made the score 17-0. Lakeland took over once more with 2:26 left in the half and tacked on six more on a brilliant diving seven yard grab by Isiah Calhoun, who had turned a jump ball into a 33 yard reception earlier in the drive.

EC benefitted from two pass interference penalties to once again move the ball deep into Lakeland territory on opening possession of the second half, but the Muskie defense held Eureka on fourth and two from the three yard line. The Red Devils did not score on three red zone possessions on the day.

Lakeland took over on the three and went 97 yards on 16 plays capped by a six yard run by Brad Wilk to take a 31-0 lead.

Eureka's touchdown came with 10:45 left in the fourth quarter. Lindsey, who led EC in rushing with 61 yards on 13 carries, used his agility to buy ample time for Carr to sneak 10 yards behind the deepest man for Lakeland. The extra point was blocked, keeping the count at 38-6. Lakeland's Kempton Freeman punctuated the scoring with a four yard run with 8:29 to play.

Damon Mehlberg (Bloomington, Ill./HS) had several big gains on his way to 50 yards on 11 rushes. Zach McDade (Savoy, Ill./Arcola) ran four times for 33 yards and added a 46 yard kickoff return. Lindsey completed three of ten passes for 50 yards. Eureka gained 171 yards on the ground, but fumbled four times, losing three. Three Red Devils recorded eight tackles: Cody Troutman (Bloomington, Ill./Normal Comm.), Tyler Cobler (Bloomington, Ill./Central Catholic) and Brad Polanin (Metamora, Ill./HS).

Calhoun led LC with five catches for 65 yards. MacArthur White, who came in leading the conference in receiving, was limited to three receptions for 16 yards. Wilk was 9-for-12 passing for 85 yards and one touchdown. Lakeland ran 60 times for 338 yards resulting in a 33:18 to 26:42 edge in time of possession.

"Defensively, we didn't tackle well," added Sullivan. "I was disappointed in our tackling. It stems from us not taking guys to the ground in practice to avoid injuries. We gave good effort and the game planned worked in that we were able to take their best receiver (White) out of the game."

The Eureka College homecoming game versus Greenville College is next up for the Red Devils. The Saturday, Oct. 14 kickoff is slated for 1:00 pm. The official dedication of Pete FioRito Stadium will take place during this game.

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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