RIVER FOREST, ILL. -- The Concordia University Chicago (CUC) football team played on home turf during homecoming weekend to battle with the Eureka Red Devils, dominating 49-20. CUC secured their first Northern Athletics Conference (NACC) win for the Cougars. CUC secured the win 49-20.
Inside the Box
- Colton Bosch (Coopersville, Mich.) led the on the ground rushing 70 yards and passed for 272 yards, with five complete passing touchdowns.
- Joron Brown (St.Joseph, Mich.) rushed for a total of 69 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown to open the half.
- Kevon Lawson (Pompano Beach, Fla.) led the Cougars with 5 receptions for 32 yards, including one touchdown.
- Wesley Jackson (Robinson, III.) followed behind with 4 receptions for 85 yards, two touchdowns with longest reception of 51 yards.
- Korey Randle (East Moline, III.) had one touchdown reception for 53 yards.
- Zeineldeen Ameer (Plano, Texas) led the defensive with 8 tackles, 2 solos and half of a sack.
- Followed behind, Brandon Shipp (Bolingbrook, III.) and Kadin Stroer (Warrenton, Mo.) tied with 7 tackles.
- Jordan Lacey (Belleville, III.) picked up one interception, five tackles with 2 of them being solo.
First Quarter
With Eureka starting off receiving the kickoff after CUC deferred to the second half, the Cougar defense was able to force a punt. CUC offense was then able to take advantage of the punt position, having both Brown and Bosch gain a total of 42 yards, including a 23-yard rushing up the middle touchdown carried by Brown that put CUC on the scoreboard, 7-0. In the next two possessions, both teams battled it out without scoring on either side. Eventually, CUC was able to produce a couple of large plays with
Blake Henson (Potosi, Mo.) rushing to the left for a gain of 14 yards followed by a rush of 8 more yards creating an opportunity in Eureka's territory. The quarter ends with CUC leading the quarter 7-0, with many defensive stops and back to back possessions between both teams.
Second Quarter
Starting off the second quarter in scoring position, Bosch was able to pass short to the right to complete a six-yard pass, caught by Jackson for a touchdown.
Eureka would get the ball back after the Cougar touchdown, but would be short after a total loss of yardage would force the Red Devils to punt. The Cougars would give up an interception, but would be saved by an offside call that would give them new life. Bosch continued the intense momentum by completing a pass that allowed Randle to advance for a touchdown for 53 yards. Diego Marquez
(Berwyn, III.) scored his third PAT kick, increasing the CUC lead 21-0.
With Eureka's offense and defense struggling, CUC gains back possession and allows Brown to rush 24 yards for a first down. Followed by Brown's big play, Bosch was able to find Brown again for a pass and complete another 26 yard play. Both big plays, Bosch decides to rush up the middle for a gain of 15 yards, only to fumble on next couple plays but recovered by
Jakob Redmond to remain on offense. With a CUC QB switch, Bosch passed to the right side for 17 yards to Brown for his second touchdown, 28-0. The half ends with CUC shutting out Eureka College, 28-0.
Third Quarter
With an electrifying start to the second half of the game, Bosch was able to pass short up the middle for 51 yards to Jackson. Bosch was able to find Jackson again for a CUC touchdown, completing a 17 yard play. CUC would take the lead 35-0, with Eureka receiving the punt hoping for a scoring drive. Eureka tried to build off a CUC defensive pass interference, they continued fighting and created a couple big plays with a combination of 35 yards for 1st downs. Completing those chances, the Red Devils would finally able to put seven points on the board with a completed 14 yard pass for a touchdown but failed to complete a 2-point conversion. CUC would strike right back, continuing to run the ball by multiple different people, and create great field position. Bosch would find Lawson for a 15 yard completion finding the end zone and going up 42-6.
Fourth Quarter
Bouncing off of Eureka's struggle, their defense was able to recover a fumble and try for another offensive drive starting the quarter. Using the momentum caused by the Eureka defense, the offense was able to combine for a Eureka touchdown while missing another two point conversion,. Unlike Eureka's struggle, CUC would be able to strike back on offense. With
Dominick Jolley (South Bend, Ind.) driving up the field it allowed another scoring opportunity for CUC. With a fresh arm in at the quarterback spot, Redmond rushed up the middle for a gain of 24 yards for another touchdown to up the score, bringing the score to 49-12.
Eureka continued to build off their last drive, completing two back to back passes for a total of 46 yards. They continue trying to rush up the middle, only to get forced back followed by an incompletion. Eureka didn't take that lightly and completed a 11 yard play for another Eureka touchdown. Hoping for the third time is the charm with trying for a two point conversion, Eureka luck went in the right direction for a successful conversion, with the score being 20-49. Eureka tried to gain possession again with kicking the onside kickoff, only for CUC to get the ball closer to Eureka's territory. Bringing in their third QB change,
Phoenyx Clark (South Bend, Ind.) led them to attempt a field goal. Unable to secure the field goal attempt from the 42 yard for CUC, the Eureka offense rushes to the field. Eureka wasn't able to get anything out of the next drives, leading CUC to gain the last possession of the game. The Cougars dominated Eureka, with a 49-20 to secure their first conference win.
What's Next
CUC will take their bye week next week but will be back to play Rockford, III. vs Rockford University on October 18th. Coverage for all things CUC football can be found at cucougars.com/coverage.
