ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University football team got their first win of the 2025 season 19-15 over the Beloit College Buccaneers on Saturday afternoon. Both offenses got off to a slow start, with Beloit scoring first by way of a safety and extending their lead to nine halfway through the second quarter. The Regents were able to punch one in before halftime and then jumped out to a 13-12 lead with five minutes to go in the third quarter. The second half was back-and-forth, but it was Rockford who got the last laugh, taking the 19-15 late in the 4th and holding on to win. The difference in yardage was much wider than the difference on the scoreboard. Rockford outgained Beloit 357 to 145, more than doubling them through the air and on the ground. The Regents threw for 226 yards and ran for 131 on 43 attempts (3.0 yard/carry). They completely stifled the Buccaneers in both respects, allowing just 95 passing yards and 50 yards on the ground on 33 attempts (1.5 yards/carry). Rockford's defense held on in the end to secure their third win over Beloit in four years and take control of the Battle of the Rock River traveling trophy.
- Beloit got on the board first with a safety in the first quarter to go up 2-0.
- Immediately following the safety, Beloit methodically moved their way down the field and scored off a quarterback sneak from the 1-yard line to go up 9-0. In 13 plays they traveled 57 yards and took 8:04 off the clock.
- The Regents were able to put their first points up on the board much quicker. Gage Hugart was able to hit Timothy Bearden over the middle, who proceeded to break multiple tackles on his way to a 35-yard touchdown. Rockford wasn't able to convert the extra point, which made the score 9-6.
- Coming out of halftime the Buccaneers started with great field position after a long return. They finished the drive with a 32-yard field goal to extend their lead to 6.
- Rockford then went on a long drive of their own, marching down the field over 15 plays and ultimately hitting pay dirt after a 21-yard screen pass catch-and-run from Gage Hugart to Malik Gordon.
- The Regents took a 13-12 lead into the fourth quarter.
- After a series of three-and-outs back and forth, Beloit converted their second field goal with 5:41 left in the ballgame. They led 15-13.
- Rockford's offense showed up when it mattered, going on a 9-play, 60-yard drive that concluded with another Malik Gordon touchdown, this time on the ground from three yards out. Rockford's two-point attempt was unsuccessful, so with 2:29 left on the clock they led 19-15.
- The Regent defense dug their heels into the ground and got the late stop to seal a 19-15 victory in the season opener.
- Gage Hugart finished 26-of-37 for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Malik Gordon carried the ball 15 times for 61 yards and a score. He also caught 3 passes for 34 yards and a touchdown.
- Timothy Bearden led the game in receptions and receiving yards, with 9 catches, 73 yards and a touchdown.
- Joey Alvarez finished with 15 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.
- Napoleon Williams was all over the place with 7 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
- Nasir Lamarre also had 1 sack and 7 tackles.
- Antonio Buchanan led the team in pass breakups with 3 and finished with 6 tackles.
