Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College football team commenced the 2024 season with a decisive 46-21 victory over Millikin at Frank M. Lindsay Field on Saturday.

Both teams played their season opener in this contest.

Illinois College's Destin Chance, an All-American from the previous year, continued his strong performance by throwing seven touchdowns, matching the second-best record in school history (Chance holds the record with eight touchdowns set last season). He completed 23 of 41 passes for 341 yards.

Trey Birdsong led the receiving unit with eight receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns. All-American Collin Brunstein also had a notable day, securing eight catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

The Blueboy offense demonstrated a balanced approach as Tanner Spencer rushed for a game-high of 182 yards on 30 carries.

On defense, Jamie Hendrix led Illinois College with nine tackles, including two for losses. Cam Dailey contributed six tackles, also with two for losses. Ethan Billingsley recorded two interceptions while Malik Byndom added another interception.

Illinois College started strong when Chance connected with Brunstein on a six-yard pass to take an early lead of 6-0. Following that drive, Chance found Birdsong with a 23-yard pass to extend the lead to 12-0.

In the second quarter, Cameron Lewis caught a 27-yard pass from Chance and after Toby McTamney's PAT, the score was 19-0 in favor of Illinois College.

Millikin responded with a fumble recovery touchdown before Chance and Brunstein linked up again from 21 yards out to make it 26-7. Illinois College led 26-14 at halftime after Millikin scored late in the period.

After intermission, Illinois College scored 20 unanswered points starting with Chance connecting with Will Campbell on a 64-yard pass. Birdsong then caught another touchdown pass from Chance from 23 yards out before William Piening closed out Illinois College's scoring with a seven-yard touchdown reception from Chance.

Notable highlights include Illinois College winning nine consecutive regular-season games and securing victories in 14 of their last 16 contests overall. The team is averaging 49.3 points per game over their past seven regular-season games. Destin Chance now has accumulated 73 career touchdown passes, ranking third in Illinois College history. Collin Brunstein increased his all-time leading totals to 3,584 reception yards and 51 receiving touchdowns; he now has made 154 career catches which places him fifth in school history.

Next week, Illinois College will begin Midwest Conference play by traveling to Lake Forest on Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m.