LISLE, Ill. (Duhawks.com) - Loras flipped the script and wrote it in its own favor on Saturday night, showing significant improves in offense, defense and special teams to improve to 1-1 with a 39-20 win over Benedictine. The Duhawks blocked three field goals while Elijah Thomas broke free for a 100-yard kick return to open the second half.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
• Cody Mighell led the Duhawks' ground game, totaling 137 yards rushing, averaging 4.4 yards per carry … With 2:06 remaining in the second quarter, Mighell broke free for a 35-yard rushing touchdown giving the Duhawks momentum heading into the half and the lead, 18-13
• Elijah Thomas returned a kickoff 100-yards to the house dusting the Eagle's special teams on the way to his second touchdown on the night. Thomas also had a 16-yard rushing touchdown earlier in the second quarter.
• Loras' longest and most efficient drive of the night came immediately following one of the three blocked field goals … On 1st and 10 from the Loras 15, Noah Sigwarth connected with Brad Boelkow for an 85-yard touchdown strike, the longest of either player's career and Boelkow's first receiving touchdown of the season
• Loras' final forced turnover solidified the win after the Duhawks turned the ball over on downs with 1:29 remaining in the game … On Benedictine's first play from scrimmage, Ryan Wohlers picked off the pass attempt, his first career interception

NOTABLES
• Brandon Ahlgrim recorded his first career sack
• Logan Sheppared set a career-best with three pass breakups
 • Mighell set career-highs in rush attempts (30), rushing yards (132), rushing touchdowns (2), and longest rush (35 yards)
 • Saturday was the first meeting between Loras and Benedictine in 21 years and has the potential to be the last for the foreseeable future with the Eagles' move to NCAA Division II

FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME
Clinging to a five-point lead at halftime, Thomas was the catalyst the Duhawks needed to push past the Eagles at the start of the second half with his 100-yard kickoff return. Thomas added to his day with seven carries for 48 yards, including a touchdown, averaging 6.9 yards per carry

UP NEXT 
The Duhawks head into their bye next weekend before opening play in the American Rivers Conference on Saturday, Sept. 22 in Decorah against Luther. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.