Benedictine comeback falls short

Benedictine University's attempt to rally back from a large deficit late in the game versus Concordia University came up short, 24-20, on Oct. 10 in Mequon, Wis.

The Eagles (2-3, 1-1 Northern Athletics Conference) climbed back into the game with some late aerial fireworks versus the Falcons (2-3, 2-0).

CUW took a 21-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Concordia drove the ball down to the Eagles' 9 in the third quarter, where the series stalled and kicker Daniel Winsey nailed a 25-yard field goal to make it 24-0.

On the ensuing kickoff, Benedictine also found itself with a new quarterback at its helm. Matt Brown was called on to take the controls.

At the same time, tailback Derek Hitt (seven carries, 14 yards) -- who had been nursing a bad ankle -- also gave way to freshman John Alessi in the backfield.

While Alessi had little more success on the ground (11 carries, 31 yards) versus the tough CUW defensive front, the Falcons found out what Brown could do for -- make that -- to them. The BU sophomore transfer engineered a six-play, 68 yard drive that was highlighted when Brown hit wide receiver Kevin Jednachowski in stride, resulting in a 54-yard touchdown catch-and-run.

The Eagles mounted another drive beginning with 9:03 left to play. Unfortunately for the visitors, the series consumed nearly six minutes. The set culminated with a 1-yard run by Alessi with just 3:27 left to play to help make it 24-14.

Down 10 points with 2:20 to play, Brown wasted no time. On the very first play from scrimmage, wide receiver Mike Trombetta streaked up the far sideline and got behind the defense. Brown deftly placed the ball into his hands and it was off to the races for Trombetta for an 86-yard score. The extra-point try was botched and the score stood at 24-20 where it remained.