| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Madonna (0-1) | 0 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 13 |
|
Olivet Nazarene (IL) (2-0) | 13 | 20 | 13 | 0 | 46 |
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The Olivet Nazarene University football team showed out in its first game in front of its home crowd, rolling to a 46-13 win over Madonna during the White Out at Ward home opener Saturday night. The Tigers uncorked four passing touchdowns and secured eight sacks.
The first quarter opened with a rapid strike as Christian Dhue-Reid connected with Brandon Jackson for an 88-yard touchdown pass just 20 seconds into the game, putting the Tigers on the board early. After a stout defensive stand, Dhue-Reid led another successful drive, capped by a 7-yard touchdown pass to Keon Green at 08:43, extending the lead to 13-0. Hunter Ah Loo's interception at the 37-second mark set up Olivet Nazarene in scoring position, highlighting a dominant start for the home team.
The second quarter began with the Tigers extending their lead as Dhue-Reid connected on a 13-yard touchdown pass to Ray Coffey at 14:13. The momentum continued with Dhue-Reid scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown, complemented by Josiah Johnson's successful extra point, making it 26-0. Defensive plays were pivotal, highlighted by Kevin Wilson's sack that led to a fumble recovery and 19-yard touchdown return by Jaylen Pettus with just 16 seconds remaining, cementing the team's commanding 33-0 advantage at halftime.
The third quarter began with the Crusaders advancing 75 yards on 11 plays, culminating in a touchdown at 9:58 to close the gap. The Tigers responded decisively, with Kaleb Garner orchestrating a 58-yard drive, highlighted by his 22-yard rush and a 14-yard pass to Andy Vogelmann, leading to a touchdown pass to Brandon Jackson at 6:41. The Tigers capped the quarter with a 70-yard drive, featuring a 56-yard pass from Jack Miller to Japheth Lilo, and a touchdown rush by Lehiwa Kahana-Travis, extending their lead to 46-7 at the close of the quarter.
The fourth quarter began with Olivet Nazarene's defense making a statement as Joe Fugle sacked the Crusaders' quarterback, Nathan Patterson, for a 1-yard loss. On the offensive side, Nakoa Kahana-Travis showed consistency with a series of rushes, including a 12-yard gain that propelled the drive forward. Despite a touchdown by the Crusaders' Nick Hayward at 7:00, the Tigers' Azuriah Sylvester sealed a strong defensive performance by intercepting a pass in the final minute, ensuring the home team maintained their lead to close the game.
Dhue-Reid completed all seven of his passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns, adding one rushing attempt for a touchdown. Ah Loo contributed defensively with an interception and a 34-yard return. Pettus was active on defense, collecting seven total tackles and recovering a fumble for a 19-yard return and a touchdown. Jackson made two receptions for 90 yards, both resulting in touchdowns.
With the win, Olivet Nazarene improves to 2-0 on the season. They will enjoy a bye week before traveling to Indiana Wesleyan on Saturday, Sept. 20.
--ONU—
*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu
