WHEATON, Ill. – The Augustana Vikings football team fell on the road on Saturday to the No. 5 ranked Wheaton Thunder, defeated by a final score of 45-0.
The Vikings (2-3, 1-3) made a statement on the opening possession of the game as
Brody Blackford forced a fumble to halt a Thunder (4-1, 3-1) drive in Augie territory. The Vikings defense continued to keep the Wheaton offense off of the field to begin the game, following their forced turnover with a three-and-out as the game remained scoreless halfway through the opening quarter. On their third possession, the Thunder used 16 plays to punch it into the end zone on a two-yard run for the game's first score. Wheaton led 7-0 after 15 minutes of action.
The game saw a big swing in the second as the Wheaton defense continued to cause problems for the Augie offense, holding them to a negative rushing output at -20 yards. Wheaton added two more scores for a 21-0 halftime advantage.
In the third, Augustana tallied four more total plays than the Thunder but could only muster 23 total yards. Wheaton converted three efficient drives to add onto their lead and push the margin to 42-0 entering the fourth. The home team added a field goal to round out the final score at 45-0. The Vikings saw a much more productive showing on offense in the fourth averaging just under five yards per play, but were unable to get on the scoreboard before time ran out.
Jason Grimes received the start at quarterback for Augustana, but it was
Cole Bhardwaj who led the team with 114 yards through the air.
Tizoc Covarrubias was the top catcher with 33 yards on one reception.
Nick Harper and Blackford led the Augie defense with eight tackles apiece. The Vikings held a plus-five minute margin in time of possession. The Thunder out-gained the Vikings 498-145.
With the loss, the Vikings fall to 2-3 on the season and 1-3 in CCIW play. The team will begin a two-game home stand on Saturday, October 16
th when they welcome in Washington University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. from Ericson Field.
