Benedictine wants off roller coaster

Eagles aim to shake off up-and-down season, win last three games

The best way to describe Benedictine University's football season seven games into the 2009 season is up-and-down.

The Eagles haven't won or lost more than two consecutive games.

As a result, the Eagles find themselves 3-4 overall and 2-2 in the Northern Athletics Conference after Oct. 24's 30-14 loss to Lakeland College in Lisle in a game that, if won, could have been the turning point in the season.

"It's a disappointing loss," Benedictine coach Jon Cooper said. "A win would have secured a second place tie (in the conference standings). Obviously, that didn't happen."

Going into Oct. 24's contest, three teams in the NAC were 2-1 -- Concordia (Chicago), Benedictine and Lakeland. After Week 7, the Eagles are now in a three-way tie for third with Aurora and Wisconsin Lutheran. Concordia (Wisconsin) is alone at the top at 4-0.

Still, players aren't ruling out a run for second with three games left in the regular season.

"Second place is still wide open," Eagles sophomore defensive back Matt McWilliams said. "We are still trying for it. We are going to keep working hard every day in practice and keep improving."

The Muskies (3-4 overall) scored first in the first, but McWilliams scored in the second on a 55-yard interception. Lakeland, however, scored the next 23 points and led by as much as 30-6 after three quarters.

The Eagles finally scored when junior fullback Eric Ritter muscled his way in from the 1-yard line. They went for the two-point conversion and were successful when quarterback Dave Klinger connected with wide receiver Neal Revane in the left corner of the end zone with 8:35 left to play.

Benedictine's next contest is a trip to Rockford College on Oct. 31. Game time is 1 p.m.

Rockford, along with Marantha, are each 0-4 in conference play.

Perhaps this is the chance the Eagles need to get back on track.

"(Saturday's game against Rockford) will be huge," Revane said. "Every game after this is important if we want second place in conference."

"We know we need to win," Cooper added. "It'll be a tough game, but they are all tough games."

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