LEBANON, Ill. - The Marian University football team looked to make it two in a row against perennial power McKendree University at Leemon Field in Lebanon, Ill., on Saturday. However, the Bearcats used a pair of big plays and consistency in the second half to pull out a 21-17 victory.

The first half had little continuity as both teams were penalized heavily and both teams turned the ball over three times.

The Knights took a 7-0 lead on a one-yard touchdown plunge by senior quarterback Matt Rogers (Trafalgar, Ind./Indian Creek) before the Bearcats tied it late in the half on a short run play to send the teams into the locker room tied, 7-7, at halftime.

The first big play came in the first drive of the second half as the Bearcats capitalized on a blitz and hit for a 63-yard pass to put them inside the red zone. A few plays later, the Bearcats punched in a one-yard run to take a 14-7 lead. The momentum had shifted and the Bearcats had the lead.

On their next drive the Bearcats used a 26-yard touchdown run to increase their lead to 21-7 with 5:44 remaining in the third quarter.

The Knights battled back as a 12-play, 63-yard drive was capped by a one-yard touchdown run by sophomore fullback Nick Bradford (Mooresville, Ind./Mooresville) to cut the gap to 21-14 with eight seconds remaining in the third quarter.

The momentum looked like it shifted at the start of the fourth quarter as the Knights defense held strong and forced a three-and-out to get the ball back.

The offense took over at its own 37-yard line and drove down to the McKendree 12-yard line. The Knights could not get the ball into the end zone and settled for a 30-yard field goal by freshman Martin Waddick (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina Memorial) to cut the gap to 21-17 with 6:41 remaining in the game.

McKendree could get little going on the ensuing drive as the defense tightened down and forced a punt. The punt was a 50-yard booming kick and put the Knights at their own six-yard line with 3:06 to go. The Knights had to drive 94 yards to take the lead.

The third play of the drive sealed the win for the Bearcats as Rogers was intercepted at the Knights' 35-yard line. They salted away the remaining 2:28 and hung on for the 21-17 win.

Rogers led the Knights with 115 yards rushing on 17 carries and a touchdown. He also was 18-for-30 for 157 yards and two interceptions.

Junior Brock Caraboa (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) led the defense with eight tackles (six solo, two assists) while freshman Ollie Ware (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral) had seven tackles (three solo, four assists). Junior Dontae' Crook (Indianapolis, Ind./Arsenal Tech) and sophomore Derelle Hankins (Cleveland, Ohio/Terre Haute South) each had a sack for the Knights.

The Knights return home for the first football game at St.Vincent Health Field next Saturday. They will take on the Grand View University Vikings at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast LIVE on the Knights Football Radio Network with Dr. David Pierce (pbp) and Jeff Burris (color) calling all the action beginning at 12:30 p.m.