Football stunned in OT by Benedictine

MEQUON, Wis. -- Benedictine went to the ground late in the fourth quarter and into overtime to stun Concordia Wisconsin, 27-21, on Saturday afternoon during the NACC opener for both teams in less than ideal conditions at Tomasini Stadium.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Benedictine 27, Concordia Wisconsin 21 OT
Location: Tomasini Stadium (Mequon, Wis.)
Records: Benedictine 2-2, 1-0 NACC; Concordia Wisconsin 2-2, 0-1 NACC

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Concordia Wisconsin scored on a nice 43-yard pass from James Linn to Tanner Hill in the early stages of the fourth quarter to go-ahead 21-13 in rainy conditions. However, Benedictine decided to go to the ground game and slowly marched down the field for an eight-play, 80-yard drive and converted the 2-point conversion to tie the game at 21-all with 6:27 to play.
- Both teams had a chance in the final stages of regulation before it went into overtime. Concordia Wisconsin took the ball first, but eventually missed on a 39-yard field goal attempt. Benedictine went to Joshua Williams who ran the ball five-consecutive times and scored the game-winner from one yard out to give the visitors the victory.
- The Falcons had success through the air, passing for 258 yards on 21-of-30 by Linn (sophomore, Chino Hills, Calif.). Meanwhile, the Eagles did the majority of their work on the ground, rushing for 224 yards on 46 attempts.
- Hill (sophomore, Phoenix, Ariz.) was the go-to offensive receiver for Concordia Wisconsin, hauling in a career-high eight catches for 129 yards and two scores. Senior Jake Riportella (Des Plaines, Ill.) had the Falcons other receiving score on a 21-yard catch as the clock expired before halftime.
- Juniors Dwayne Rackard III (Orlando, Fla.) and Connor Stoming (Germantown, Wis.) each had a team-high 10 tackles, while Rackard III forced a fumble. Sophomore Caleb Young (Glenview, Ill.) recovered a fumble and junior Marquis Thorn (Atlanta, Ga.) intercepted a pass. Overall, the Falcons defense broke up seven passes.
- Williams led Benedictine with 97 rushing yards and three different players scored on the ground. Kaiden O'Connor had 12 tackles and Calvin Jordan intercepted a pass.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- Concordia Wisconsin travels to Lakeland on October 12 for a 1 pm NACC game and both teams will also be playing for the Cheese Bowl.