Sangamon Sun

Illinois College opened its football season with a 28-9 win over Greenville on Thursday night at England Stadium in Jacksonville, Illinois.

The Blueboys took an early lead when quarterback Tyson Elliott connected with Kyle Leonard for a 40-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Greenville responded with a field goal in the second quarter, but Illinois College extended its advantage before halftime as Elliott and Leonard linked up again, this time from 11 yards out. The team went into the break leading 14-3.

In the third quarter, Elliott threw his third touchdown of the night to Timothy Middleton II on a 35-yard play. Kicker Toby McTamney converted his third consecutive extra point, bringing the score to 21-3.

The fourth quarter saw Elliott and Leonard combine for their third touchdown together, this one from seven yards out. Mia Gerger made program history by becoming the first female to score a point for Illinois College football after converting the extra point attempt with just over seven minutes left in the game.

Greenville scored its only touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to overcome Illinois College’s lead.

Illinois College finished with 252 passing yards and added another 118 rushing yards. Elliott completed 22 of his 30 passes for four touchdowns and no interceptions. Leonard caught eight passes for 97 yards and three touchdowns. Tanner Spencer led all rushers with 54 yards on fifteen carries while Lleyton Miller contributed another forty-four yards on nine attempts.

On defense, Cam Dailey led Illinois College with nine tackles. Blaze Helton recorded seven tackles, and Drake Stuart added six as they held Greenville to just 209 total offensive yards.

With this win, Illinois College has now won seventeen of its last nineteen regular-season games and twenty-two of its last twenty-six overall.

The Blueboys will remain at home next week as they open Midwest Conference play against Lake Forest on September 13th at England Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.