Late rushing TD, strong defense lead Football to NACC win

MEQUON, Wis. – LaCurt Evans scored the game-winning touchdown and Luke Scheuerlein sealed the victory with an interception on Saturday, as Concordia University Wisconsin downed Benedictine University, 28-27.

The Falcons made numerous highlight plays to change the momentum in their first Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference game of the season, whether it was on offense, defense or special teams.

BU (2-2, 2-2 NACC) marched down the field in four minutes and 30 seconds to score the go-ahead touchdown with just over nine minutes to play. However, a crucial missed extra point would prove to be the demise of the Eagles.

After a defensive stand, CUW had the ball with 3:32 to play and no timeouts on its 18-yard line, but it didn't matter for quarterback Austin Damaschke (Bristol, Wis.) and the offense. After back-to-back receptions by Garrett Wenzelburger and a 16-yard grab by James Saunders put the Falcons within striking distance.

Damaschke ran for seven and 11 yards to setup Evans for his second rushing score of the season. Junior David Gonzalez (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) then blasted the deciding point through the uprights. The nail-biting suspense wasn't over, as the Eagles had the ball at their own 24 yard line with 57 seconds to play.

Following a completed pass and two rushes, Scheuerlein stepped in front of a Cyle Schultz pass for an interception – the first of his career – to put his mark on the game and propel the Falcons into the win column.

Evans (sophomore, Bloomingdale, Ill.) finished with a career-high 192 all-purpose yards (67 rushing, 50 receiving, 75 kick return). He also scored on a 40-yard touchdown catch in the opening quarter. Damaschke ended with 326 yards on 27-of-41 passing and three touchdowns. It was his second-straight 300-plus yard passing game.

Wenzelburger (junior, Hartland, Wis.) had game-highs with eight catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in his season long reception of 61 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Wenzelburger has recorded 21 catches for 336 yards and four touchdowns in his last two games.

Saunders (senior, Riverview, Fla.) caught five passes for 64 yards, while senior Cody Johnson (Brookfield, Wis.) finished with a career-best five catches for 42 yards and a touchdown.

BU's Michael McNulty had an impressive game with 37 carries for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Cyle Schultz completed 13-of-23 attempts for 156 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Blake Anders had four catches for 42 yards and Artie Monaco had 80 receiving yards.

Defensively, Scheuerlein and senior Taylor Witty (Milwaukee, Wis.) each had a career-high 10 tackles. Senior Joe Paul (West Bend, Wis.) made eight tackles, while senior Widchero Cherident (Fort Myers, Fla.) ended with a career-best seven tackles.

Trent Altieri led the Eagles and all players with 12 tackles, five solo.

CUW piled on a season-high 408 yards of total offense and 27 first downs, while holding BU to just 5-of-14 conversions on third down.

CUW returns to the field on Saturday, Oct. 12 for its final non-conference game of the season at Maranatha Baptist Bible College at 1 p.m.