It was a nice day on Deaton Field this past Saturday as the Cougars hosted Madonna University Crusaders. The Cougars advanced to 2-2 after a 31-7 win over Madonna University. The victory was much needed for the Cougars to blow off some steam following last week’s tough loss.
The game started with the Cougars getting the ball first drive and scoring within two plays with a 60 yard touchdown pass from Senior Wide Receiver Stuart Ross to Grad Student Wide Receiver Justin Pringle. The early score gave the Cougars a 7-0 lead.
Later in the first, the Crusaders threw an interception to Senior Defensive Back Ron Carrol. They converted into the points by a rushing touchdown by Senior Running Back, Amari Venerable to go up 14-0.
The Cougars added to their score in the first quarter with a field goal to go up 17-0. Pringle also added to his statline with a 79 yard touchdown pass from Ross to go up 24-0.
Ross also added to his stats with a touchdown pass early in the second quarter to Senior Wide Receiver Brandt Hixson to go up 31-0. After that score, the Cougars started putting in back ups and chewing clock.
Madonna got on the board with a passing touchdown of their own to make the score 31-7.
The fourth quarter saw a lot of three and outs and chewing clock but ultimately no scoring. That made the final score 31-7.
The Cougars looked unstoppable on offense thanks to Ross, Vernerable, and Pringle. Ross finished the game 9 for 12 on completions, 232 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Vulnerable rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown on seven attempts.
All together, the whole Cougars’ offense moved the ball for 328 total yards, a great game for the offensive line.
The Cougars’ defense had the Crusaders on locks the whole game with Carrol covering everything in the air, Sophomore Linebacker Terry Elias making all the tackles, and Sophomore Defensive Lineman Justin Yeazell handling business on the line.
Carrol finished the game with three total tackles and an interception. Elias finished the game with ten total tackles and a tackle for loss. Yeazell finished the game with five total tackles, three tackle for loss, and two and a half sacks.
The Cougars also did well in special teams, including Senior Linebacker Vince Clinte, Senior Punter/Wide Receiver Joe Polselli, and Senior Kicker Peyton Benes. Clinte finished the game with two total tackles and forced fumble on a kick off. Polselli had four punts for 195 with his longest punt being 58 yards. Benes finished the game going 4/4 on extra points and a 38 yard field goal.
The Cougars dominated Madonna in every aspect of the game. Hopefully, the Cougars can replicate the way they played against Madonna in their upcoming match this week.
Saturday, Sept. 30, the Cougars will take on a 4-0 Saint Francis (Illinois) University at Memorial Field at Joliet, IL at 1 p.m. This will be a must win game for a shot to solidify a spot in the playoffs.