ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford Regents football team (2-5, 1-4 NACC) came up short against Wisconsin Lutheran (1-5, 1-3 NACC) in a tough home matchup 49-41. WLC put up 14 points in every quarter but the first to keep themselves in the lead for most of the game. The Warriors were able to rely on both the passing and rushing game, both providing very good numbers offensively. Rockford's offense was still strong as well, Jaelen Ray leading the way with 419 passing yards, and the highlight being LaVar Johnson Jr. with 4 rushing touchdowns. Overall, Rockford was not able to overcome the fourth quarter deficit and came up short 49-41.

• It was 3 drives before any team put up points on the board, Wisconsin Lutheran went 53 yards in 5 minutes of possession to score on a 20-yard rush.
• The second quarter was just underway when LaVar Johnson Jr. rushed in for his first score of the game. After a failed extra point attempt, WLC led the game 7-6.
• Only a minute later, WLC rushed forward again over 40 yards for yet another rushing touchdown, taking a 14-6 lead.
• Jaelen Ray passed his way down to the 5-yard line on the next drive, and LaVar Johnson Jr. came through again and rush into the end zone for a touchdown. The two-point attempt was successful, and Rockford tied the game 14-14.
• After two 3-and-outs, WLC got the ball and, with a balanced passing and rushing attack, scored a touchdown on a 6-yard pass into the end zone. The Warriors took the lead 21-14.
• Jaelen Ray led another charge for 77 yards down the field and send the game into halftime with a pass to Jamon Carter-Grady for a 6-yard touchdown. At the half, the game was even 21-21.
• Right out of the gate, the WLC running back caught a pass for 60 yards to set up a rush by the second running back for a touchdown, taking back the lead by 7 points.
• Rockford lost the ball on 4th down, and the next Wisconsin Lutheran drive landed another Warrior touchdown after a 41-yard pass. WLC took a two-score lead, 35-21
• Rockford did not give up, however, balancing the rushing and passing until LaVar Johnson Jr. pushed his way into the end zone for yet another score.
• Wisconsin Lutheran kept up the offensive pressure after another short drive ended with a rushing touchdown from 11 yards out.
• WLC scored two more touchdowns in their next two drives, both rushing, to take a very strong 49-27 lead.
• Jaelen Ray took the ball next drive and hit an entire list of Regents receivers, including a 29-yard pass to Titus Cannon and a pass to his favorite target, Joey Owens, for 30 yards. Rockford scored another touchdown on another rush from LaVar Johnson Jr.
• Rockford then sent out Gerardo Zamudio out for an onside attempt to get the ball back. Rockford recovered the onside kick and took the ball back starting at their own 47-yard line.
• It wouldn't take long before Jaelen Ray connected with LaVar Johnson Jr. for a huge touchdown. Rockford was now within striking distance, the score now 49-41.
• A second onside attempt was recovered by Rockford, but unfortunately it was touched before the 10-yard mark, and WLC took over to try and run out the clock.
• The Warriors got the 2 first downs they needed, and ran out the clock to take the victory, 49-41.

• Jaelen Ray passed for 413 yards and ran for another 45, completing 33 passes and throwing 2 touchdown passes.
• LaVar Johnson Jr. rushed for 60 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also caught 3 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. 
• Joey Owens and Titus Cannon each caught 8 passes for a combined 228 yards.
• Amari Jackson led the team in solo tackles with 8, and total tackles with 10.
• Ja'uan Joiner had a pass break-up in the game.

The RU football team will head to Benedictine University for a October 23rd NACC game. Kickoff is scheduled for 1pm.