For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

Maroons come up golden in Eureka season finale

November 10, 2007

CHICAGO — The Eureka College football season came to an unfavorable end Saturday afternoon with a 51-6 non-conference loss to the University of Chicago.

Four Maroons (4-5) rushed for over 100 yards on the day, combining for five touchdowns. Chicago quarterback John Kiernan was one of them, and added a pair of touchdown passes.

Eureka (2-8) fell behind quickly after fumbling away the opening kickoff. The Red Devils held on defense deep in their own territory, but Ryan Verissimo put Chicago on top with a 24 yard field goal.

Another turnover, this time an interception, set up Chicago's first touchdown of the day. Joe Steelman sprinted 41 yards with 3:08 remaining in the first quarter giving the Maroons a 10-0 edge.

The Red Devils caught a rare break early in the second quarter as EC recovered a muffed punt on the Chicago 31. Nick Lindsey (Homer, Ill./Heritage) had a 15 yard run for a first down and Rosney Beverly (Bloomington, Ill./Normal West) converted a key fourth down rush setting up a one yard touchdown run by Chris Wakid (Danvers, Ill./Eureka). With the extra point being missed, Chicago kept a 10-6 lead.

Eureka trailed at halftime 17-6 following a five yard scoring run by Thomas Parks of Chicago. The Red Devils drove to the Maroons' 32 late in the half, but one of Chicago's five sacks ended the scoring threat.

The third quarter was an unfortunate continuation of the Red Devils' troubles in the stanza for the season. Eureka was outscored 116-15 in the third period this year after Chicago asserted control in the third quarter Saturday, scoring on four plays of at least 22 yards.

Tim Dombrowski (Lansing, Ill./T.F. South) led the EC defensive effort with eight tackles, one for loss and a forced fumble. Tony Martin (Lexington, Ill./HS) and Michael Moseley (Lubbock, Texas/Monterey) each had seven tackles.

Drew Whightsil (Vandalia, Ill./HS) caught seven passes for 49 yards to pace the Eureka offense. Lindsey was 10-for-17 passing for 82 yards.

Parks (152), Steelman (108), Kiernan (106) and Mike Serio (105) were the four Maroons with over 100 yards rushing. Mike Albian recorded three receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Tony Insalaco led a Chicago defensive unit that held Eureka to 24 yards rushing with 10 tackles.

The Red Devils' two win increase over last season matches Eureka's best single season improvement since 1994 when EC won eight games (four more than the previous year) and qualified for the NAIA playoffs.

This year's football award winners will be announced at the E-Tribe Fall Sports Banquet starting at Noon, November 18 in the Terrill Rooms of the Cerf Center. For more information concerning upcoming banquets, please call 467-6370.

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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