October 1, 2011

First Quarter Blitz Boosts Ravens Over Crusaders, 38-0

ATCHISON, Kan. - A 28-point first quarter was all that #12 Benedictine needed as the Ravens blanked 25th-ranked Evangel, 38-0, Saturday afternoon at Larry Wilcox Stadium. Box Score

A week after tallying 26 points in the second quarter of a 47-21 win at Peru State, the Ravens came out firing on all cylinders as they converted a trio of turnovers into touchdown passes after Kevon McGrew converted a 27-yard scoring run on the opening possession of the game.

Today we got a little more excited and most importantly we got that momentum that you're looking for," said Benedictine head coach Larry Wilcox about his teams' fast start. "Our guys stayed aggressive, especially in the secondary."

After a Benedictine punt, Anthony Brown knocked the ball away from Evangel's Denzel Parnell at the Crusaders' 32-yard line. Benedictine QB Bill Noonan connected with Jordan Jackson down the right sideline on the next play for a quick conversion of the turnover.

A pair of interceptions set up the last two Benedictine touchdowns. Lawrence Haynes picked off Andrew Brimhall at the Evangel 36-yard line, setting up Noonan to connect with Geoff Akpom for a 21-0 lead. Dylan Meisenheimer victimized Brimhall on the next possession and Noonan hit Jackson for the second time and his third TD pass.

The Benedictine defense finished the day with five interceptions in total, giving them nine over the past two games. The Ravens have outscored the last two opponents in the first half, 61-7, and completed a third shutout in five games this season.

"We've got a lot of seniors in that group that are starting and a few others rotating in. When you have that kind of experience and continuity with their athleticism, that's a good thing. These are guys that fly around the field, they're aggressive and they have great chemistry."

Noonan had his best game of the season for the Ravens, connecting on 15-of-26 for 254 yards and three touchdowns. Jackson posted game-highs of 8 catches for 141 yards and two scores while Akpom had three receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. Cameron Fore piled up 69 yards on 9 carries while McGrew rushed 13 times for 47 yards.

Brimhall finished 23-of-36 for 182 yards for the Crusaders, connecting with Caleb Walker six times for 54 yards. Tommy Meyer carried 12 times for 59 yards while Zach Sinclair added 41 yards on seven carries.

Benedictine (5-0, 3-0 HAAC) travels to Central Methodist next week while Evangel (2-2, 2-1 HAAC) is home against Graceland.