For Immediate Release

October 30, 2009

Red Devils Rally to Beat St. Scholastica at Dome Day, 21-20

Box Score: http://www.nwceagles.com/custompages/temp%20stats/O30EUSS.HTM

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Facing a 20-7 halftime deficit, the Eureka College offense scored touchdowns on its first two possessions of the second half and the defense pitched a second half-shutout, driving the Red Devils to a 21-20 win over St. Scholastica, Friday afternoon at the 10th annual UMAC Dome Day in the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn.
                     
The Red Devils (4-5) wasted little time going to work after intermission, putting together a eight-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 28-yard throw from senior quarterback Nick Lindsey to sophomore wideout Wes Schmidgall (Eureka, Ill./Eureka H.S.) with 12:12 remaining in the third quarter.

After the score, the Eureka defense delivered the big play on its first try of the second half when freshman linebacker Seth Zehr (Eureka, Ill./Eureka H.S.) drilled St. Scholastica quarterback Jake Olson for a sack, forcing a fumble near midfield that was recovered by Eureka freshman defensive lineman DeMarco Neal (Peoria, Ill./Manual H.S.). 

Lindsey found Schmidgall again just five plays after the turnover with a 16-yard touchdown throw.  Freshman kicker Travis Huber (Morton, Ill./Morton H.S.) calmly converted the go-ahead extra point for a 21-20 lead that would hold up as the final score.

The Eureka defense was outstanding in the second half, recovering two fumbles and forcing the Saints to punt on their final three possessions of the game.  Senior linebacker Matt Knake (Freeburg, Ill./Freeburg H.S.), who entered the game as the UMAC’s leading tackler, recorded a game-high 12 tackles.  Sophomore Mike Minehan (Washington, Ill./Washington H.S.) picked off a pass from Olson on the final play of the first quarter to end a St. Scholastica drive deep in Eureka territory.

St. Scholastica (4-5) jumped to an early lead, needing only six plays to drive 60 yards and score on a 4-yard run by UMAC leading rusher Chris Henagin.  Eureka senior defensive back Cody Troutman (Normal, Ill./Normal Community H.S.) blocked the ensuing extra point to keep Eureka’s deficit at 6-0.

After a Eureka fumble and a St. Scholastica punt, the Saints stretched their lead to two possessions when Sean Graskey returned a Lindsey fumble six yards for a touchdown.  The extra point was unsuccessful again, leaving the Saints in front 12-0 midway through the first quarter.

The Red Devils got on the board on their first possession of the second quarter when Lindsey found senior tight end Dillon Reed (Illiopolis, Ill./Sangamon Valley H.S.) in the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown throw.  Freshman kicker Travis Huber (Morton, Ill./Morton H.S.) put the extra point attempt through the uprights for a 12-7 score.

St. Scholastica was poised to strike again on the following possession, but Troutman recovered a fumble forced by Knake at the Eureka 2-yard line to end the threat.  The Red Devils gave the ball back just two plays later on a lost fumble from Lindsey, allowing Henagin to score on a 2-yard plunge on the ensuing possession.  The Saints converted a 2-point try to take a 20-7 lead.

Lindsey finished the day 23-for-38 for a season-high 328 yards and three touchdowns.  He also added 87 rushing yards on 19 carries.  Schmidgall narrowly missed his sixth 100-yard receiving game of the season, pulling down six catches for 97 yards.  Senior wide receiver Sam Hendricks (Danvers, Ill./University H.S.) also played a solid game with six catches for 71 yards.

The Red Devils will play their final game of the season on Saturday, Nov. 7 when UMAC North Division member Crown visits McKinzie Field for a noon kickoff.

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For More Information Contact:

Bryan Moore
Sports Information Director
Eureka College
300 E. College Avenue
Eureka, Illinois 61530
309-467-6456
bmoore@eureka.edu