DEFENSE KEYS ONU’S BIG WIN OVER LAWRENCE TECH
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lawrence Tech (1-3) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
|
Olivet Nazarene (IL) (2-2) | 6 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 34 |
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Multiple takeaways and a defensive score keyed the Olivet Nazarene University football team's 34-14 victory over Lawrence Tech Saturday afternoon at Ward Field. ONU nabbed five interceptions while keeping the Blue Devils off the scoreboard over the first three quarters of action.
The first takeaway came on the game's opening drive, with Nolan Johnson intercepting a pass just three plays in at the Lawrence tech 30-yard line. That set up a Graham Johnson 28-yard field goal to put ONU ahead early.
After the defense forced a three-and-out on the ensuing possession, Johnson extended the ONU lead to six by knocking down a field goal from 48 yards out.
Arthur Walker scored the game's first touchdown in the second quarter, forcing his way in for a three-yard touchdown to put the Tigers up 13-0. They would lead by double figures the rest of the way.
Midway through the second quarter, Duke Hoohuli intercepted a pass in Lawrence Tech territory. One drive later, Abe Flores-Cuen picked off a Blue Devil pass and brought it to the house for a touchdown, marking his second interception in as many games.
On their opening drive of the second half, the Blue Devils had an excellent chance to get their first points after taking the ball all the way down to the red zone. That was when Lucas Eckles snagged an interception in the endzone to thwart the threat.
Walker punched in his second rushing touchdown of the game before Brandon Odam linked up with Titus Maunakea for an 11-yard score that put the Tigers up 34-0.
The Blue Devils got on the scoreboard with two quick touchdowns early in the fourth quarter and were threatening to score again with the ball in Tiger territory. But that was when Hoohuli hauled in his second pick of the day to seal the game, locking down the Tigers' second victory of the campaign.
ONU finished with nearly 400 yards of total offense, racking up 266 yards through the air and 128 on the ground. Odam was 12-of-15 for 175 yards and a touchdown. Cameron Crouch completed seven passes for 61 yards and Philip Hird threw for 30 yards on three completions. Aaron Bennett led the ONU ground game with 75 yards on 10 carries.
Brian Jenkins doubled his reception total on the year with 10 catches for 99 yards. Blake Lamb racked up 83 receiving yards on just three catches for a 27.7 yards-per-reception average.
John Harman led the defensive effort with two sacks among his 12 total tackles. Josh Anderson picked up one-and-a-half sacks. A total of 10 Tigers contributed on a tackle for loss in the win.
The Tigers will open conference play on the road against Judson next Saturday at 7 p.m.
--ONU—
*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu
