FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The No. 4 Indiana Wesleyan football team scored early and often in the 52-21 victory at the University of Saint Francis Saturday afternoon Neil Campbell broke a single-game program record with an astounding interceptions in the game.

 

OVERALL

• The Wildcats now stand at 8-0 overall, including 5-0 in MFSA action.

FIRST QUARTER

• Just seven seconds into the game, Isaac Abeo forced a fumble and Luke Bays picked it up for a touchdown. Josh Clifton's extra point made it 7-0.
• After forcing a three-and-out on the next possession, IWU took over on its own 24-yard line. On third-and-eight, Xander Stokes found Isaac Smith for a 68-yard gain to the USF 6. Facing fourth-and-goal from the 1, Stokes ran to find the end-zone. Clifton made it 14-0 at the 9:39 mark of the frame.
• With just under four minutes to go, Preston Sykes intercepted a pass on the 33-yard line. Dederrian Williams scampered to the 22-yard line. On first-and-10, Stokes and Smith connected for a 22-yard touchdown strike before Clifton made it 21-0 at the 3:10 mark.

SECOND QUARTER

• The Wildcats had the ball near the end of the first quarter and continued their drive in the second stanza. IWU marched down the field as Tidwell rushed for 10 yards and Stokes found Smith for a seven-yard gain.
• On third-and-six at the 15-yard line, Stokes and Tidwell connected for a 15-yard touchdown strike. The extra point made it 28-0 with 12:13 to play before halftime.
• With USF driving, Neil Campbell stepped in front of a pass, intercepted it and returned the ball to the 29-yard line. Moments later, Clifton buried a field goal for a 31-7 advantage. That marked the last bit of scoring in the half.

THIRD QUARTER

• USF's first possession of the third frame ended when Isaac Abeo and Anthony Cheesebourough combined for a sack, forcing a punt. IWU made quick work on its ensuing possession. The drive ended with Stokes hitting Smith for a 35-yard strike en route to a 35-7 lead just 4:25 into the half.
• On second-and-seven, Campbell intercepted another pass on the IWU 31-yard line. Gibbs rushed four consecutive times before Stokes found Myles Cox for a short gain. Stokes and Smith connected on back-to-back plays – with the last covering 45 yards for a score (45-7).

FOURTH QUARTER

• Leading 45-14, IWU continued its drive to start the fourth quarter. Chase Bradman helped the team get to the 36-yard line behind passes to Cox and runs by Elijah Gibbs. However, the team was unable to convert on third-and-21 (due to a penalty). Clifton's 53-yard attempt missed left, keeping the score the same.
• On third-and-two, USF was whistled for a personal foul. A loss of eight yards by the quarterback and an incomplete pass gave the ball back to the Wildcats on the USF 48-yard line.
• A four-yard gain by Gibbs pushed the ball to the 44 before Bradman found Blake Brumbaugh for a 44-yard touchdown toss. The extra point made it 52-14 with 6:18 to play.
• The Cougars scored with 3:25 to play for a 52-21 final.

OFFENSIVE LEADERS

• Stokes completed 18-of-29 passes for 305 yards and four scores in the victory. Bradman hit five-of-six for 64 yards and a touchdown.
• Smith was on the receiving end of 10 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. Tidwell had four receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown while Brumbaugh had two catches for 46 yards and a score.
• The ground game was effective as Gibbs led the way with 53 yards. Williams averaged 5.7 yards per carry while Stokes scored a rushing touchdown.

DEFENSIVE LEADERS

• Campbell's amazing afternoon included a program record three interceptions. Sykes added an interception and a pass breakup. Jamis Carson also broke up a pass.
• Bays had an outstanding day with 11 total tackles. He was also in on two tackles for loss. Drake Deshetsky had five tackles, including four of the solo variety.  
• Abeo tallied 1.5 sacks and forced a fumble.

SPECIAL TEAMS STANDOUTS

• Clifton made one-of-two field goals. Nolan Foley had four punts for 31.5 yards per attempt. He placed two inside the 20-yard line.
• Brumbaugh had one kick return for a team-high 25 yards.

STATS COMPARISON

• The Wildcats held a 23-21 edge in first downs. USF averaged 4.8 yards per rush while IWU averaged 36.6 yards per carry.
• IWU completed 24 passes for 373 yards while the home team hit 15 passes for 150 yards. Overall, the Wildcats' offense was impressive, racking up 508 yards on 75 plays. USF ran nine more plays but tallied 355 yards in the game.
• The Wildcats intercepted four passes. The Cougars had one interception but also lost a fumble.
• IWU was six-for-16 on third down while holding the opposition to four-of-19. The Wildcats converted twice on fourth down.

WHAT THE WIN MEANS

• The Wildcats remain among the ranks of the unbeaten heading into back-to-back games against Top-10 teams to close out the regular season.

CAMPBELL PERSPECTIVE

• "It was a great team win with all my brothers," said Neil Campbell. "We are looking forward to going to battle with our upcoming opponent. We are very grateful for all the fans that always show up to support. All glory to God!"

SMITH PERSPECTIVE

• "It felt great being out there again with the team," said Isaac Smith. "The O-line created great pockets for Xander to be able to stay in there and sling it around. Overall, it was a great game of complementary football."

LOOKING FORWARD

• The Wildcats return home for the regular-season finale against No. 5 Marian in a battle between two of the best teams in the country.
• Links for tickets, video and stats will be available at IWUWildcats.com.

FOLLOW THE WILDCATS

• Follow Athletics (@IWUWildcats): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
• Follow Football (@IndWesleyan_FB): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook