Wheaton pulls away late to defeat Augustana football

The Vikings opened scoring with an early touchdown on a six-play, 65-yard drive. Quarterback Jimmy Makuh connected with Sean Schlanser for a two-yard touchdown pass with 11:47 remaining in the first quarter to give Augustana a 6-0 advantage.

Wheaton responded with a touchdown run to even the score at 6-6, and it remained tied through the end of the first half. Both defenses held firm in the second quarter, keeping the contest tied heading into the break.

Augustana came out of halftime with momentum, needing just four plays to cover 78 yards on its opening possession of the second half. Keegan Otte capped the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run, and Jacob Garbett added the extra point to put the Vikings ahead 13-6.

The Thunder answered quickly, connecting on a 61-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 13-13 with 9:43 remaining in the third quarter.

Wheaton took its first lead of the afternoon early in the fourth quarter, finishing a 13-play, 70-yard drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown. The Thunder added another score with 6:29 remaining, extending its advantage to 26-13. Despite the late deficit, the Vikings continued to battle, but were unable to find the end zone again as Wheaton secured the 26-13 victory.

Makuh completed 21 of 40 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown. Schlanser led the receiving corps with four catches for 98 yards and a touchdown, including a long reception of 56 yards. Otte paced the ground game with 74 rushing yards on 24 carries and one touchdown.

Defensively, Cole Schroeder led the pack with seven tackles, five solo and two assisted, along with two breakups and an interception for eight yards.

The Vikings move to 4-4 overall and 3-3 in CCIW play following the loss. The team will be back in action on Nov. 7 for the final home game of the season against Carthage.