The Northwestern Warriors improved to 4-4 on the football season after a 31-10 win at Climber Stadium against the Urbana Hillclimbers. The Hillclimbers fell to 2-6.
“This was Warrior football and a great conference win to get us to .500” said head coach Seth Whiting. “Our goal is to win out the rest of the way.”
The Hillclimbers kicked off the scoring on their first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Levi Boettcher threw a 61 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Sam Niswonger to give Urbana a lead of 7-0, their only lead of the game.
The Warriors tied the game on their next series, a three play drive capped off by a nine yard rushing score for Cole Baldwin with 8:10 left in the first quarter. Northwestern forced a three and out on defense handing the ball back to the offense.
Twelve plays later quarterback Trevor Gebby lobbed a five yard pass into the end zone to Baldwin to give the Warriors the lead at the end of the first quarter 14-7.
The second quarter started with the Hillclimbers driving deep into Northwestern territory. Warriors defensive back Cole Brewer popped the ball out of Urbana running back Nick Johnson’s grasp. The fumble was recovered by Geddy. The duo took advantage on offense when Gebby threw a touchdown pass to Brewer on third and twelve with 3:40 remaining in the half. The Warriors went up 21-7. Both teams exchanged fumbles before the half but were unable to capitalize with points.
Heading into the third quarter Northwestern controlled the time of possession. A 14 play drive ended with three more points after a field goal through the uprights by kicker Gage Vorhees. The kicker was perfect on the night, converting all attempts. The Warriors led 24-7 with 4:55 remaining in the third quarter. Urbana took the kickoff return to midfield and moved the chains with penalty yards. The Hillclimbers trailed 24-10 after kicker Cooper Johnson booted a 34 yard field goal. The Warriors next drive resulted in pass completions to receivers Shane Salley, Eli Berner, and Tanner White. Gebby took a keeper in the red zone for another score. The Warriors closed the third quarter in front 31-10. Northwestern’s defense dominated the fourth quarter shutting out Urbana behind stout play by defensemen Zack Leist, Logan Voorhees, and Landon Rohrer. A interception by Austin Keplinger sealed the win for the Warriors. Northwestern returns home to play the 2-6 Graham Falcons Friday at 7:30 PM.
