LISLE, Ill. - The RU football team opened conference play on Saturday with a tough road contest against the Benedictine University Eagles. Although the final score might not indicate it, Rockford played well for the opening thirty minutes and was able to keep the score close entering halftime. However, the Eagles were eventually able to pull away in the second half for a 67-15 win. 

The game remained within reach for the entire first half as Rockford entered halftime down just two scores. The Regents' only points in the first quarter came when Jose Alvarez (Durand, Ill.) kicked a 23-yard field goal on the team's opening drive. The second quarter provided more of an offensive outburst as the Regents scored two touchdowns. Rockford's first touchdown of the game came on a 5-play, 58-yard drive midway through the quarter. Sophomore Chance Manning (Durand, Ill.) capped it off with a 6-yard touchdown run, his third of the season. The Regents other touchdown of the afternoon came on their very next drive. Running back Tre Hatchett (Springfield, Ill.) finished off the 13-play, 67-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run as the Regents entered halftime trailing just 30-15. Unfortunately things began unravel in the second half as the Eagles outscored the Regents 37-0 en route to the win.

Offensively the Regents were able to move the ball as they pilled up 331 yards of total offense. In his first collegiate start, Darion Hornickel (Lowell, Ind.) completed 12-of-23 pass attempts for 195 yards. Sophomore Chance Manning led the Rockford ground attack carrying the ball 21 times for 110 yards and 1 score. Wide receiver Kalan Miller (Cordova, Tenn.) had a great day as he hauled in 7 passes for a season-high 122 yards. 

The RU football team returns home next Saturday, October 8 against Wisconsin Lutheran. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM at Sam Greeley Field.