Turnovers hamper Football in Homecoming loss to Benedictine

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin committed six turnovers on Saturday afternoon and fell 33-6 to Benedictine University in front of a Homecoming crowd at Tomasini Stadium. The Falcons struggled in all phases of the game from the opening kickoff and couldn't find a rhythm to get back in the game at any point.

CUW lost a pair of fumbles, threw an interception and missed a field goal, but surprisingly only trailed 13-6 at halftime of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference game. The scoreboard was nearly tied at 6-6 heading into the locker room prior to the intermission, but BU shocked the Senior Day fans by completing a 57-yard touchdown pass with 24 seconds left in the second quarter.

The Falcons also turned the ball over on downs, lost their third fumble and threw two more interceptions in the second half. Despite the errors, they were in the red zone six times, but only managed six points (two field goals).

BU entered the contest with the second-best defense in the NACC for points allowed (8.5) and yards given up (229.2). CUW was far below its offensive average and managed just 300 total offensive yards on 67 plays (4.5 per play). The Eagles held the Falcons to 85 yards rushing (3.5 per carry) and recorded a trio of sacks. In addition, midway through the third quarter BU returned an interception 54 yards for a touchdown.

It was the first time since Sept. 17, 2011 that the Falcons failed to score a touchdown in a game.

Senior Austin Damaschke (Bristol, Wis.) completed 23-of-43 passes for 215 yards, while rushing for a team-high 43 yards. Sophomore Derrick Estfan (Phoenix, Ariz.) was a bright spot on offense for the Falcons with a career-high 139 receiving yards on nine receptions, including a career-long catch of 52 yards in the first quarter.

Defensively, CUW did force and recover two fumbles, breakup six passes and record seven tackles for loss. Freshman Richie Guess (Homer Glen, Ill.) finished with a career-high-tying seven tackles, while junior Austin Kaatz (Pewaukee, Wis.) had a career-best 2.5 tackles for loss.

Junior Shannon Smith (Brandon, Fla.) stood out on special teams with 81 kick return yards, including a career-long 56-yard return at the end of the second quarter.

Ryan Keener directed the Eagles offense with 17-of-30 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns, to go along with a game-high 52 rushing yards. Artie Monaco had 45 rushing yards and the only rushing touchdown of the game. Greg German hauled in five passes for 118 yards and a touchdown, while Omar Lopez and Monaco each caught a touchdown pass.

Micayel McKechnie led all players with 10 tackles (six solo) and two fumble recoveries for the Eagles (4-4, 4-2 NACC).

The loss also snapped a 13-game NACC winning streak for the Falcons. They now must win out in order to earn a share of the league regular season title.

CUW travels to Sheboygan, Wis., on Saturday, Nov. 8 to face Lakeland College, who is undefeated in NACC play.