Senior Linebacker Terry Elias Jr. Making a Tackle SXU Athletics
After struggling to win games, the Cougars have finally turned things around and are embarking upon a winning culture. They have now won three straight games and during this run, they earned their first win on the road against Lawrence Tech (LT) (Mich.).
The Cougars also continue to win off the field as key players are rewarded with weekly awards due to their amazing performance.
One of those guys leading the way is senior linebacker Terry Elias Jr. who recently won the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) Midwest League Defensive Player of the Week. This is his first time claiming the honor since the 2023 season where he won the honor twice. This makes him a three time winner of the award in his entire collegiate career.
Being a defensive anchor, Elias now leads SXU with 57 tackles which include 22 solo tackles. This can be credited to him achieving a career high 13 tackles in the game against Lawrence Tech which included seven solo tackles. He also had 3.0 tackles for loss (TFL) for 11 yards.
Junior defensive back Taj McClellan was also recognized for his defensive dominance as he was named NAIA Football Defensive Player of the Week. McClellan was the best option for this award especially after he brought in three interceptions (tying for a single-game program record) against Madonna University (Mich.).
SXU vs. Lawrence Tech (Mich.): 31-10 (W)
The Cougars did more than just win this game, they completely dominated and made sure LT didn’t have a chance in this game. SXU started things strong and threw the first punch by scoring 14 points in the first quarter, eventually going into halftime with a 21-7 lead.
The star of the game was senior running back Tyreese Lee who rushed for a career-high 155 yards on 19 carries. Lee made his mark in the game scoring two touchdowns, including a nine yard run to put the Cougars up 21-7 right before halftime.
Lee’s 155 rushing yards are the most yards rushed by any running back for SXU since Amari Venerable back in 2023. Also being the most rushing yards on less than 20 attempts since former NAIA All-American Vance McShane back in 2019.
We saw senior quarterback Dominic D’Ambrosio return to action and he performed very well. Completing 12 of his 20 passes for 142 yards, and a touchdown late in the third quarter.
Sophomore wide receiver Stephon Gist Jr. had a special game as he scored his first ever touchdown in his collegiate career. Scoring on a 28 yard rush, Gist rushed for 48 yards on two carries and made three catches for 13 yards.
Fifth-year senior wide receiver Ronnie Foster brought in three receptions for 44 yards which included a touchdown in the third quarter to put the Cougars up 28-10.
Freshman kicker Christian Casillas had a perfect game as he went 100% on PATs, knocking down all four attempts. Casillas eventually booted a 42 yard field goal in the fourth quarter to ultimately put LT away and win the ballgame.
McClellan made six tackles including five solos in this game and also came up with a forced fumble and a pass breakup. Elias had a sack for seven yards in this game and also added a forced fumble.
Sophomore defensive back Zach Norred also brought in six tackles, which included four solo tackles and also added a TFL for two yards.
SXU vs. Defiance College: 42-17 (W)
The Cougars did it again and came through with another beatdown, this time they got the best of Defiance College (DC). The game looked pretty close as both teams scored in the first quarter and they went into halftime with a 14-10 score.
But something changed within the Cougars and they decided to take charge in this game. They scored 14 points in both the third and fourth quarter and completely shut down DC in the fourth quarter, not allowing them to score at all.
This game saw the heroics of D’Ambrosio as he completely went off, he threw for a career-high 334 yards and completed 19 of his 31 pass attempts. D’Ambrosio threw three touchdowns and even rushed for a touchdown on a nine yard run.
D’Ambrosio gave SXU their first 300 yard passing game since former quarterback Stuart Ross did so last year against the University of St. Francis (Ill.) when he threw for 365 yards.
Lee played well as he had 13 carries for 80 yards which included a six yard rushing touchdown. Lee also made four catches for 41 yards.
Gist recorded a season-high seven catches for 94 yards and scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
This game also saw senior wide receivers Adam Alcantar and Marquel Porter score touchdowns, Alcantar brought in two catches for 80 yards and Porter also got two catches but for 29 yards and rushed for 14 yards on his only touchdown.
The defense had a spectacular game as senior linebacker Chris Swayne made a ridiculous 20 tackles in this game with 10 of them being solo. Swayne made his presence felt out there as he also made an interception, a sack for seven yards, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
Elias and McClellan were also the main leaders in the SXU’s defense, bringing in many tackles. McClellan forced a fumble while Elias added a TFL for three yards, a fumble recovery, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry.
Homecoming week is upon us, so don’t miss out on the homecoming game where the Cougars plan to extend their winning streak to four games. They plan to do so against Siena Heights University (Mich.) this Saturday Oct. 11 at 12:00 pm.