ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Rhodes football fell in a tight physical battle to Washington University in St. Louis, 10-7 in a game that needed two overtimes to declare a winner.
The loss moves the Lynx to 500 on the season (1-1) while Wash U moves to 1-1 as well.
After a scoreless first overtime that saw both teams miss a field goal, Rhodes could not reach a first down in the second overtime that resulted in a 35-yard miss by Rhodes kicker Michael Aucoin. Washington U. then carried the ball down to the Rhodes 10-yard line on a 15-yard run, and three plays later Washington U.'s Hallwachs split the upright for the game-winning field goal.
The Lynx offense couldn't find the end zone for the first twenty minutes of play, but put together an 11-play, 99-yard drive late in the second quarter to break the scoreless tie. Sophomore quarterback Blake Box connected with sophomore wide receiver Jonathan Wiener for a 39-yard touchdown pass across the middle to make it 7-0 with 5:24 left.
Rhodes defense put up a fight as they held the Bears scoreless for the first three quarters of play. Washington U. put together nine plays in a three minute drive in the fourth quarter to find the Rhodes end zone and knot the game up at 7-7 with 8:45 to play.
The Lynx got the ball back at the 8:45 mark and ran 19 plays for over seven minutes of possession before Box was intercepted at the Washington U. six yard line. Rhodes defense came up with a huge stop at the end of regulation when Zac Hart stopped Eric Daginella's rush for a loss of five yards.
Rhodes found themselves on the defensive side of the ball to start the first overtime possession. The Lynx stuffed the Bears attempt to move forward, forcing a 33 yard field goal that was blocked by the Rhodes defense and recovered by the Lynx at the Rhodes 16 yard line.
Rhodes took over at the Washington U. 25 yard line, and after three plays for only two yard of gain. The Lynx opted to try a Tucker Nichols 40 yard field goal attempt that fell short to end the first overtime period.
Rhodes began the second overtime period with possession and couldnt muster much movement. After three downs the Lynx eyed up a 35 yard field goal attempt, this time from the foot of Michael Aucoin, which fell short.
Washington U. took over on the Rhodes 25 yard like and the Lynx defense held the Bears to two plays with no gain thanks to tackles from Michael Shield and Hart. On third and ten the Bears broke through when Zach Lonneman rushed for 15 yards to the Rhodes ten yard line. Rhodes held Washington U. again for three plays, but their effort was for naught when Bears kicker Alex Hallwachs connected on a 27 yard attempt.
Kevin Viera (78 yards), Mitch DeKozan (57 yards) and Dane Wilson (54 yards) led the rushing attack for Rhodes, which piled up 236 yards on 62 carries in the loss. Box was 11-for-23 for 64 yards and was picked off three times.
Hart led the Lynx with eight tackles, and one for a loss of five yards. Shield contribute seven total tackles, including one for a loss of three yards. Stanton Brown, Trey Hooper and Mike Olushoga all contribute five tackles in the contest. Justin Toliver came down with one interception in the game for Rhodes.
Rhodes makes the trip to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College in Claremont Ca. for their next game on Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. PDT.
