ELMHURST, Ill. – The Elmhurst football team's rally came up just short in a 26-20 loss to Olivet College at Langhorst Field.
Elmhurst (0-2) dug themselves an early 19-0 hole, but roared back into the game and had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation.
Trailing 26-20 and on defense, the Bluejays came up with a critical fourth-down stop to get the ball back with 1:41 left to play. Starting at their own 33-yard line, the Bluejays kept the drive alive with a fourth-down conversion that brought the ball near midfield. Orlando Hernandez hit Austin McKellar for a 19-yard pickup to the Olivet 32-yard line. Hernandez then connected with Jacob Mammosser on a 10-yard gain to the sidelines, giving Elmhurst the ball at the Olivet 22-yard line with just 5.9 seconds remaining. Hernandez's pass into the end zone was tipped away by an Olivet defender but nearly caught on the deflection by the Bluejays as the final horn sounded.
The game got off to a rocky start for Elmhurst as Olivet built a 19-0 lead midway through the second quarter. Elmhurst's defense came up with key stops in the first quarter, limiting the Comets to just a pair of field goals from Douglas Pollard despite good starting field position for the Comets.
After Elmhurst was forced to punt out of their own end zone early in the second quarter, Olivet needed just one play to score the first touchdown of the contest. Comet's QB Lane Porter hit Jacob Jodway down the middle for a 45-yard scoring strike to put Olivet in front 13-0. A deflected ball led to an interception for Olivet a few minutes later. Taking over at the Elmhurst 39-yard line, Porter hit Kornelius Saxton for a 39-yard scoring play to give the Comets a 19-0 lead with 8:13 left in the first half.
Elmhurst's offense came to life following the Comet's second touchdown of the game. Starting at their own 24-yard line, Elmhurst drove to the Olivet 19 yard before a penalty and a sack left Elmhurst facing a fourth-and-22 from the Comet's 31-yard line. Hernandez scrambled down the middle of the field all the way to the Comet's two yard line. Two plays later, Hernandez pushed his way into the end zone from a yard out to put Elmhurst on the scoreboard with just 23 seconds left in the half.
Elmhurst carried the momentum in the second half, forcing a three-and-out on Olivet's first series of the half. The Bluejays then marched downfield, capping a 64-yard drive with a seven-yard touchdown run from Ben Holloway. The touchdown brought Elmhurst to within five points at 19-14 with just over nine minutes left in the third quarter.
Victor Ogbebor blocked a Pollard field goal attempt late in the third quarter to keep Elmhurst's deficit at just five points.
Olivet extended their lead midway through the fourth quarter, driving 73 yards in 10 plays and taking a 26-14 lead following a 19-yard touchdown run from Jerome Washington on a third-and-nine play.
Elmhurst answered back immediately, bringing the deficit to six after a quick strike. Setting up at the Olivet 47-yard line, Hernandez's pass was tipped by an Olivet defender into the hands of Brachmann. Brachmann raced into the end zone to complete the 47-yard scoring play and set up the thrilling finish to the game in the process.
Elmhurst finished the contest with 298 yards of offense on 63 plays. The Bluejays rushed for 97 yards and passed for 201. Olivet totaled 301 yards of offense with 133 coming through the ground game. Elmhurst turned the ball over three times and finished the contest with a -2 turnover margin.
Hernandez led Elmhurst on the ground with 56 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. He also passed for 201 yards and a touchdown. Brachmann led all Elmhurst receivers with four receptions for 74 yards and a score.
Jerome Washington sparked Olivet's rushing attack, carrying 28 times for 119 yards and a touchdown. Porter completed 13-of-21 passes for 168 yards and two scores. Saxton hauled in eight passes for 97 yards and a score.
Mike Dicken paced Elmhurst's defense with eight tackles while Brandon Dominski and Angel Burciaga added seven stops apiece.
Elmhurst opens CCIW play next Saturday (September 16) by traveling to North Park University.