Quincy Reporter

Quincy University Hawks Football issued the following announcement on Oct. 9

The Quincy University football team battled the Lindenwood Lions for the first time in two years on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 9). Both teams combined for ten total turnovers as the Hawks fell 33-28.

Each team turned over the ball five times on Saturday afternoon as the Hawks threw three interceptions and lost two fumbles while the Lions lost four fumbles and threw an interception.

Following a Lindenwood touchdown to open the game, Quincy scored on their first offensive drive. Tionne Harris found his favorite target Eugene Witherspoon for a 41-yard score.

The Lions came right back with their second score of the game to go ahead 14-7 with 14:28 left in the second quarter. Quincy did not waver and drove the ball right back down the field. Taylor Temple capped off the drive with a short touchdown run to tie the game at 14-14.

A crucial play in Saturday's contest came on the ensuing kickoff where the Lions returned the kick 97 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. At the half, the Lions led 21-14.

After the halftime break, Quincy had to battle some adversity after an interception on the first drive of the second half. The defense picked up the offense and forced a fumble on the very next play. Trevon Rhodes knocked the ball out, and it was picked up by Sa'hron Cunningham.

The Hawks offense drove the ball down the field for 13 plays, but the drive stalled at the Lindenwood 27-yard line. Michael Klotz came out for a 44-yard field goal attempt, but he missed wide right to keep the score at 21-14. It was Klotz's first miss all season.

QU's defense once again came up with a big play on the next drive. This time, linebacker Peyten Chappel jared the ball loose, and Ginial Isma recovered.

On the very next play on offense, Tionne Harris was intercepted on a miscommunication between him and the receiver, but in a wild chain of events, Quincy's defense turned the tables again.

Ginial Isma forced another LU fumble that was recovered by Melvin Brock.

After the flurry of consecutive turnovers and great field position, QU punched in a rushing touchdown to tie the game at 21-21 with 5:35 left in the third quarter.

Lindenwood buckled down in the fourth quarter and scored twice to make it 33-21 with five minutes to play.

QU got a last-minute touchdown strike from Harris to Witherspoon from 27-yards out. It was Witherspoon's 12th receiving touchdown this season, but the Hawks trailed 33-28.

With 1:53 left, Michael Klotz attempted an onside kick that hit off a Lindenwood player and was up for grabs on the far sideline. Before a Quincy player could fall on it, the Lions swooped in for the recovery and sealed the game.

Next Up

The Hawks will be back at home next Saturday (Oct. 16) when the McKendree Bearcats come to QU Stadium for a 3:00 PM kickoff. 

Original source can be found here.