LISLE, Ill. – The Loras College football team fell to the Eagles of Benedictine University, 28-25, Saturday night in Lisle, Ill.
Benedictine jumped out to a 14-0 advantage in the first quarter before Loras began its comeback late in the second.
Joey Helminiak connected with
Isaac Oster for a 30-yard touchdown with 2:33 remaining before halftime, cutting the deficit to 14-7.
The Duhawks carried that momentum into the third quarter. Helminiak capped a four-play, 65-yard drive with a six-yard rushing touchdown just 1:48 into the half, tying the game at 14. Less than a minute later, the Loras defense recorded a safety to give the Duhawks their first lead at 16-14. Benedictine responded with an 18-yard touchdown run to regain a 21-16 advantage entering the fourth.
Aiden Konig pulled Loras within two with a 35-yard field goal midway through the fourth before the Duhawks struck for the lead. With 2:57 remaining,
Eric David broke free for a 42-yard touchdown run, putting Loras ahead 25-21.
Benedictine answered on the ensuing possession, driving 74 yards in seven plays before Marcus Martin connected with Jason Moore for a one-yard touchdown with 21 seconds remaining, giving the Eagles the 28-25 victory.
Loras finished with 363 yards of total offense, including 153 on the ground. Helminiak completed 19-of-33 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score.
Jeremy Pittman led the ground game with 95 yards on 12 carries, including a 57-yard run, while Oster caught seven passes for 75 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively,
Will Speltz led the Duhawks with 10 tackles, while
Braxten Johnson added nine. Loras recorded three sacks and
Brandon Glover Jr. came away with an interception.
Up Next: The Duhawks will head to St. Paul, Minn. for week three to take on the University of Northwestern (Minn.). Kickoff from Reynolds Field is scheduled for 11 a.m.
