ROCK ISLAND, IL - The North Park University Football team took on Augustana College (1-8, 1-5) during a chilly Saturday afternoon in Rock Island. Following a four and out drive at the beginning of the game, NPU's defense took the field. After rushing back to the line of scrimmage and two incomplete passes, Augustana lined up to punt. As Augustana's punter was ready to boot the ball towards North Park's return team, senior Austin Regel came rushing in to block and recover the punt. However, North Park was unable to take advantage of Regel's efforts, turning the ball over on downs in the next drive.
With the ball in the possession of Augustana's offense, quarterback Luke Bleyer tossed a 44 yard pass to convert on 3rd and long. Whittling their way down to within ten yards of the endzone, Bleyer was able to connect again for the first score of the game.
In the first drive of the second quarter sophomore Alexis Santillan put the Vikings on the board with a 37 yard field goal. Augustana was able to answer with nearly a 6 minute possession, driven by a ground and pound approach by new quarterback Alek Jacobs.
North Park was able to chip away at the 14-3 deficit towards the end of the third quarter when Grant Borsch found Woodrow Corey on a 13-yard touchdown pass.
The fourth quarter was arguably the hardest-fought quarter of the season for the NPU Football team. After stealing the momentum following another blocked punt, this time from junior David Simmons Jr., North Park took possession of the football on Augustana's 37. The second play of the drive featured Borsch squaring up Jeremiah Madden for a 27 yard pass, coupled with a 5 yard penalty for roughing the passer. Another short pass from Borsch to Corey gave the Vikings a 17-14 lead. Augustana quickly fired back with a long 39 yard field goal to even it all up at 17.
With just over three minutes left to go in the fourth quarter, North Park began marching down field slowly but steadily. Although there were no long passes or runs, NPU took advantage of a few positive yards at a time. After an incomplete pass and 8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, kicker Alexis Santillan prepared to win the game. Augustana "iced" Santillan and the Vikings twice, calling two timeouts in an attempt to unnerve the sophomore. Following the snap, Santillan drove a kick inside the left upright to win North Park the game in dramatic fashion.
Grant Borsch and of course the big kick from Alexis Santillan powered the offense in Saturday's game. Borsch completed 14 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns, and Santillan nailed two field goals.
North Park (2-6, 1-5) now prepares for Senior Day this coming Saturday (11/4) where they will face Carroll University in their final home game of the season.
