Lebanon, Ill. – The SBU football team picked up its third straight victory Saturday afternoon, defeating McKendree University 55-45 in an offensive shootout. True freshman quarterback Cooper Owens put together an incredible performance, throwing for 421 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Bearcats to their third consecutive GLVC victory. The win moves SBU to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in conference play.
Owens continued his impressive freshman campaign, completing 23-of-30 passes for a career-high 421 yards and four touchdowns without throwing an interception. Making just his third career start, the freshman quarterback led an SBU offense that finished with 539 total yards and scored 55 points against the Bearcats of McKendree.
SBU wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as Jaron Saunders punched in a four-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter. Owens then took over through the air, connecting with Jaden Mays for a six-yard touchdown before finding him again for a 75-yard score. The two touchdowns gave SBU a 21-10 advantage after the opening quarter.
McKendree battled back in the second quarter, tying the game at 24 with less than two minutes remaining in the half. However, Owens responded by leading the Bearcats on a five-play, 85-yard drive in just 52 seconds, capped off by a 36-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Rhoden. The score sent SBU into halftime with a 31-24 advantage.
The Bearcats continued their offensive success in the second half. Angelo Butts found the end zone on a 15-yard rushing touchdown before Owens connected with Keivon Flint for a 68-yard touchdown strike. SBU added 10 more points in the fourth quarter, including a five-yard touchdown pass from Saunders to Peyton Rasmussen, to secure the 55-45 victory.
Flint turned in a dominant performance in the receiving game, hauling in eight receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown. Mays added 113 receiving yards and two touchdowns on four catches, while Rhoden finished with 54 yards and a score. Jobe Smith led the rushing attack with 63 yards on 17 carries.
The SBU defense came up with key plays throughout the afternoon. Chucky Sutton led the team with eight tackles, while Evan Buchanan recorded three tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. Cirron Harrison added two tackles for loss and a sack as the Bearcats held on for the victory.
The win marks SBU's third consecutive victory and puts the Bearcats above .500 for the first time since their season-opening win. SBU will look to continue its winning streak next Saturday, October 17, when it returns home to take on Upper Iowa University at Plaster Stadium at 1:00 p.m.
