Millikin’s Football season is over, but so is its losing streak.
The Big Blue finished off the season on a high note after a 29-22 win against CCIW foe Elmhurst University.
Millikin, who struggled with injuries throughout the game, was able to get it done in the end, as their depth pieces at quarterback and wide receiver helped secure the win in a big way.
Millikins started the game without Starting Running Back Re’John Zeno, and during the game lost Starting Quarterback Sylas Gomez to injury.
However, players like Running Back Bryson Boes and Quarterback Ethan Dattilio stepped up and finished the game strong to help the Big Blue win.
“Whoever goes down, no matter how good or how bad, whatever the case may be, it’s next man up. The next man has to step to the podium and execute what they expect the first person to have done,” Boes said.
Millikin’s defense was also able to step up this game with three sacks, 7 TFLS, and 10 PBU’s, and was led by Senior Alex Ariaza in his last ever Collegiate football game.
“It’s bittersweet. It feels good. I’m gonna wait to cry. It feels great to leave off on a dub.”
The game was tied with 3 minutes left, and on the field was 3rd-string Quarterback Ethan Dattilio, 5th-string Wide Receiver Xavier Thomas, and 3rd-string Running Back Bryson Boes, hoping to score and help Millikin win.
“Man, it was crazy. Coming out with 3 minutes, having all that adrenaline going and trusting my guy,” Dattilio said.
Dattilio would unleash a 40-yard bomb to Thomas, which resulted in the Big Blue sitting at the one-yard line with around a minute to go.
“Going right and going out there in the series and then seeing him out there, it’s just what we’ve been waiting for all year, just seeing number 11 and 7 out there,” Dattilio said.
Boes would punch the 1-yard score in to give Millikin the final lead change of the game. The senior had a conversation with Dattilio before the game-winning play.
“I’m giving you the ball, man, you’ve got to get in there, that was my mentality. This is my last game. I have 2 minutes left,” Boes said.
Millikin would then take the lead and never give it back. With 3 seconds left, a failed Hail Mary by Elmhurst would end with the ball being on the ground, and Millikin with its 3rd win of the season.
“It’s kind of a sad feeling that this is my last time stepping on any college football field, but it was a good way to go out with a win, and I couldn’t have gone out with a better group of seniors and my peers as far as my teammates and coaching staff,” Boes said.
Millikins finished the season 3-7 and looks to improve in the offseason for the 2026-2027 football season. Millikin’s seniors are off to the next venture in their lives, but leave Millikin with a big thanks.
“Thank you for supporting me, it was a blessing and a privilege to play here on this field with these guys, I’m just blessed,” Araiza said.
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