So close, yet so far.
The Millikin Big Blue football team nearly ended their losing streak at 12 games, but untimely turnovers and penalties prevented the streak from coming to an end.
The Big Blue squared up against the Augustana Vikings for this year’s homecoming football game, a game that at first glance looked like it was going to be a giant loss for the Big Blue. In the last two meetings, the Vikings had scored a total of 112 points, while the Big Blue only managed 3.
Coming into the game, a result of this manner was understandably expected.
However, the Big Blue more than held their own.
After a blocked punt and an Augustana touchdown, the Big Blue marched down the field in what was likely their most impressive drive of the season. After converting multiple third and long situations, senior running back Matthew Salazar punched the ball into the endzone, making several defenders miss on the way.
Augustana would go on to mishandle the snap on a punt, which set a drive up for the Big Blue around the 24-yard line. Quarterback Aidan Lombardo would go on to find Salazar in the back of the endzone for his second score of the game.
The Big Blue went into halftime with a 13-10 lead, and the atmosphere began to shift as the fans realized that the game was in reach.
However, after halftime, the Big Blue couldn’t manage another offensive touchdown. After being stopped on a 4th and 1, the defense recovered a fumble in Augustana’s endzone for a touchdown, and that would be the final points that Millikin managed.
Special teams was not a strong suit for Millikin today, as Augustana’s Breyden Smith would return the punt for a touchdown, which ended up being the game-winning score.
So, how far can the many moral victories carry Millikin? That remains to be seen, as the team will travel to Carrol University then return home to face North Central, the number one ranked team in the country. Clearly, the Big Blue showed improvement, as they only lost by 4 points instead of 40. The defense played particularly well, especially in crucial situations, and the offense had quite a few opportunities to keep the Big Blue within striking distance.
At this rate, Millikin will take moral victories.
The Big Blue will look to carry the momentum gained today into their CCIW Conference matchup at Carroll next weekend. Hopefully, this momentum will begin to turn into wins as football’s season continues.
