JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — The Illinois College football team scored three touchdowns in a span of 3:38 in the third quarter to break open a close game and roll to a 45-21 Midwest Conference victory over Lawrence University Saturday at England Field.
The Blueboys (2-3, 2-2 MWC) got a huge game from Cecil Brimmage, who ran 34 times for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
Quarterback Tyler Mazur paced the Vikings (1-4, 1-3) by completing 2 2of 50 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns. Mazur also threw five interceptions.
Lawrence got on the board first after Sam Wagner, who played both ways for the Vikings, intercepted a Mitch Niekamp pass at the Illinois College 17-yard line. Mazur hit Luke Barthelmess with an 18-yard scoring pass three plays later and the Vikings led 7-0 with 8:39 left in the first half.
Illinois College tied the game on the ensuing possession by moving 55 yards in seven plays for the touchdown. Brimmage ran it in from two yards out.
The Blueboys got a 37-yard Travis Downey field goal on the first possession of the third quarter to grab a 10-7 lead, and Brimmage did all the damage for IC on its next drive. He ran 34 yards on the first play and 20 yards for a score on the next to put the Blueboys up 17-7.
IC then sealed the game with three quick scores late in the third quarter. Niekamp hit Brock Thompson with a 40-yard scoring pass with 3:55 left in the third for a 24-7 lead.
After Mazur was intercepted on the ensuing possession to give IC a first down at its own 39, Brimmage ripped off a 60-yard run. Niekamp found Thompson for an eight-yard scoring pass two plays later.
After a Mazur interception on the next possession, IC took over at the Lawrence 42. Niekamp connected with Kevin Wallace two plays later ona 19-yard touchdown pass to put IC up 38-7.
Lawrence added touchdowns in the fourth quarter when Mazur hit Wagner with a 22-yard scoring pass and Jeremiah Johnson with a 15-yard touchdown strike.
Lawrence returns to action next Saturday when it hosts Carroll University in the Hall of Fame Game at the Banta Bowl.