EU Football Drops to 1-3 on Homecoming Versus Augustana College

EU Football players watch their teammates’ offensive campaign during their homecoming game at Langhorst Field against Augustana College. // Photo by Grace Kelly

A promising second quarter comeback by EU Football quickly faded Saturday as Augustana College pulled away for a 58-14 win at Langhorst Field.

This is unfortunately not an unfamiliar feeling for the Bluejays, as EU is 1-4 in homecoming games since 2021.

The Vikings wasted little time establishing control, scoring on their opening possession when quarterback David Finfer connected with Tyreke Fortney for a 48-yard touchdown. Augustana added a 29-yard field goal from Jacob Garbett before running back Ben Ludlum scored from four yards out to give the visitors a 17-0 advantage after the opening quarter.

EU responded with its best stretch of the afternoon early in the second quarter. Defensive back Jace Zeffiro intercepted Finfer and raced 97 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-7 and giving the Bluejays a much-needed spark.

“I think we need to improve our mentality and just staying consistent,” said EU defensive lineman Ethan Stewert. “It was a close one at first, then after halftime we kind of just let the wheels off.”

The momentum continued on EU’s next offensive possession. Justin Carlson found A.D. Russell for a 24-yard touchdown with 12 minutes remaining in the half, bringing the Bluejays within three points at 17-14. After falling behind by three scores in the opening quarter, Elmhurst appeared to have regained control of the game and put itself in position to enter halftime tied or with the lead.

The Vikings, however, quickly regained the momentum before the break. Ludlum got a 20-yard touchdown run with three minutes remaining in the half, extending Augustana’s lead to 24-14. Just 25 seconds before halftime, Finfer struck again, finding Mikey Brosnan for a 60-yard touchdown. The two quick scores turned a three-point game into a 31-14 Augustana advantage heading into halftime.

Augustana then dominated the third quarter, putting the game out of reach. Ludlum scored his third touchdown of the afternoon on a 1-yard run before Finfer connected with Fortney for a 19 yard score. Ludlum added his fourth touchdown late in the quarter, breaking loose for a 55-yard run that pushed the Vikings’ lead to 51-14.

Augustana’s defense capped the scoring early in the fourth quarter. Kaden McShaw intercepted Carlson and returned the pick 100 yards for a touchdown, giving the Vikings their final points of the afternoon and completing a dominant second half.

Ludlum was the game’s most productive offensive player, rushing 22 times for 231 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 10.5 yards per carry and accounted for four of Augustana’s five offensive touchdowns. Finfer completed 12 of 17 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns, while Fortney caught three passes for 93 yards and two scores.

Elmhurst finished with 215 total yards compared with 538 for Augustana. The Bluejays managed just 32 net rushing yards on 27 attempts, while Carlson completed 17 of 30 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown. Colby Mortenson led Elmhurst with nine receptions for 91 yards, and Russell finished with five catches for 65 yards and the Bluejays’ lone offensive touchdown.

“We just need to be better prepared overall heading into games,” said Stewart.

Elmhurst’s defense did get three interceptions, with Zeffiro recording two, but the Jays could not consistently turn those opportunities into scoring points. Zeffiro finished with six tackles in addition to his two interceptions, while linebacker Jaden Genova led Elmhurst with nine tackles.

The loss dropped Elmhurst to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin play. Augustana improved to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in conference action.