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LISLE, IL - The Benedictine University football team dug out of a 21-3 first half deficit to record a 38-28 comeback victory over Eureka College in the home opener.
Eureka grabbed early momentum by returning the opening kick for a touchdown, but the result was called back due to a penalty. The visitors did respond with a seven-play drive to score on a 30-yard touchdown and open a 7-0 lead. Benedictine drove deep onto the Eureka side but an interception stalled their first drive.
Benedictine was able to get on the board after forcing a three-and-out. Tanner Mateus kicked a 30-yard field goal with 3:48 left in the first to make the score 7-3. Eureka scored on their next two possessions to take a 21-3 advantage with 6:36 left in the half. Benedictine marched down the field for a touchdown with 3:17 remaining in the half when Alex Lopez snagged a five-yard pass from Tyler Jarnagin. Five different receivers were targeted on the eight-play drive that covered 75 yards and Benedictine went into the half down 21-10.
Receiving the ball to begin the second half, Benedictine proceeded to embark on a 14-play drive, covering 66 yards to pull within 21-17. Lopez snared his second touchdown of the game, reeling in a nine-yard score from Jarnagin with 10:30 left in the third. The defense rose to the challenge and forced a three-and-out to set up the go-ahead score. Lopez caught a 46-yard pass as part of a drive that resulted in a six-yard touchdown from Darries Rainey, making the score 24-21.
Benedictine continued to move the ball, opening a 31-21 advantage with a 13-play drive spanning 78 yards. Rainey dove in from a yard out to finish the lengthy march downfield. Eureka answered with a nine-play drive to pull within striking distance again at 31-28 with 7:56 left in the game. Eureka had the ball back with 5:42 to play but the defense forced a three-and-out. Benedictine left no doubt by gambling on a third-and-nine as Jarnagin connected with Calin Gurau for a 27-yard touchdown with 2:55 left in the game to seal the win. Cy Taylor ensured the victory with a late interception.
Benedictine held the ball for 31:35 of the contest and gained 399 yards of offense. Jarnagin completed 29 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns. Deandre Holliday caught a career high 11 passes. Lopez notched eight more grabs, accounting for 134 yards a pair of touchdowns. Gurau totaled 94 yards on seven grabs. Rainey collected 84 yards on the ground with two scores on 19 carries.
Denzel Simmon led the defense with 12 tackles and a forced fumble. Jordan Wilkins notched 10 along with Ahmad Washington.
Benedictine (2-0, 2-0 NACC) hosts Aurora at 1:00 p.m. next Saturday for the South Division title.