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Haiden Janke runs the ball
Rayna Jackson
3
Elmhurst ELM 1-4 , 0-3
28
Winner Carthage CAR 2-3 , 1-2
Elmhurst ELM
1-4 , 0-3
3
Final
28
Carthage CAR
2-3 , 1-2
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
ELM Elmhurst 0 0 3 0 3
CAR Carthage 7 7 0 14 28

Game Recap: Football |

Carthage Football Defeats Elmhurst 28-3 on Homecoming

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Carthage College football team earned a 28-3 victory over Elmhurst on Saturday afternoon at Art Keller Field, using a strong defensive performance and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to secure the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin victory.

The Firebirds opened the scoring in the first quarter after recovering an Elmhurst fumble, with Chase Nurczyk breaking free for a 25-yard touchdown run. Carthage added to its lead late in the second quarter when Leo Chiappetta connected with Mikel McGowan Jr. for a 17-yard touchdown, sending the Firebirds into halftime ahead 14-0. Elmhurst got on the scoreboard with a third-quarter field goal, but Carthage responded with a touchdown drive that carried into the fourth quarter before adding another score through the air. The Firebirds' defense forced three fumbles, recovered three, and intercepted two passes to help limit the Bluejays to three points.
The Basics
  • Final Score: Carthage 28, Elmhurst 3
  • Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin — Art Keller Field
  • Records: Carthage 2-3, 1-2 CCIW; Elmhurst 1-4, 0-3 CCIW
How it Happened
  • Carthage's defense made an immediate impact in the opening quarter. At the 10:27 mark, Jeremy Rowlett forced a fumble, and Zach Hyzy recovered the loose ball at the Bluejays' 25-yard line.
  • The Firebirds capitalized on the turnover on the very next play. Chase Nurczyk rushed for a 25-yard touchdown with 10:19 remaining in the first quarter, and Mugdim Kreho converted the extra point to give Carthage a 7-0 lead.
  • Elmhurst moved the ball into Carthage territory on its next possession, but the Firebirds came away with an interception from Brad Filippis to stop the drive. 
  • Elmhurst threatened again in the second quarter, advancing into Carthage territory before losing another fumble forced out by Matthew Burnette at the Firebirds' 25-yard line with 17 seconds remaining in the half. Natavion Santoya-White recovered the ball for Carthage, allowing the Firebirds to maintain their two-score advantage heading into halftime.
  • Carthage extended its lead late in the second quarter with a five-play, 54-yard drive. Leo Chiappetta completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Mikel McGowan Jr. with 3:53 remaining, and Kreho's extra point put the Firebirds ahead 14-0.
  • Elmhurst then put together a 10-play drive that reached the Carthage 25-yard line, but the Firebirds' defense forced a turnover on downs in the second half. 
  • Elmhurst regained possession after an interception on Carthage's next drive and took advantage of the field position to get on the scoreboard. The Bluejays drove to the Carthage 11-yard line before converting a 28-yard field goal with 5:50 remaining in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 14-3.
  • Carthage responded with its longest scoring drive of the afternoon, marching 70 yards over 13 plays. The possession began late in the third quarter and continued into the fourth, with Haiden Janke finishing the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run at the 14:13 mark. Kreho's extra point increased the lead to 21-3.
  • Elmhurst attempted to answer, putting together a 10-play drive that reached the Carthage 24-yard line. However, the Firebirds' defense held firm on fourth down, forcing another turnover on downs with 8:32 remaining in the game.
  • Carthage quickly turned the defensive stop into more points. Chiappetta connected with Joey Schilke for a 5-yard completion before finding Jack DeFilippis for a 42-yard touchdown pass at the 6:46 mark. Kreho added the extra point to give the Firebirds a 28-3 advantage.
  • The Bluejays continued to push offensively, reaching the Carthage 24-yard line on their next possession. The Firebirds again came up with a key defensive stop, forcing a turnover on downs with 5:23 remaining.
  • Carthage used the ensuing possession to run valuable time off the clock before punting with 1:50 left. The Firebirds' defense closed out the contest, securing the 28-3 victory.


High Flyers
  • Chase Nurczyk led the Carthage rushing attack with 63 yards on 14 carries, including a 25-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
  • Haiden Janke added 67 rushing yards on 13 carries, scoring a 4-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
  • Leo Chiappetta completed eight of 15 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Mikel McGowan Jr. and Jack DeFilippis for scores.
  • DeFilippis recorded two receptions for 42 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.
  • McGowan caught one pass for 17 yards, finding the end zone on Carthage's second touchdown of the afternoon.
  • Jeremy Rowlett led the Firebirds with 13 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and forced a fumble.
  • Natavion Santoya-White finished with eight tackles, four tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery.
  • Carthage's defense forced three fumbles and recovered all three, while also recording an interception and holding Elmhurst to a 28-yard field goal.
  • Carthage finished with 259 total yards, including 131 rushing yards and 128 passing yards. 
Coachs Remarks

Team Results
  • Carthage stays at home playing North Park on Saturday, October 17, at 1 p.m. 
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