The College of DuPage football team returned home to Bjarne Ullsvik Stadium on Oct. 4 to host the Kings of Lead Prep Academy during COD's homecoming. The Chaps won in dominating fashion, putting up 66 points to earn a 66-22 victory.
DuPage's defense started the day with a bang. On the first play from scrimmage, defensive back
Cy Charles intercepted a pass and dazzled on his way to a 70-yard pick six, making multiple defenders miss.
Danny Durray added a 29-yard field goal on the Chaps' second drive. Midway through the first quarter, quarterback
Justin Bland, who had an incredibly efficient day passing (14-15, 300 yards, 5 touchdowns), connected with
Daion Gaston for a 48-yard touchdown strike. Running back
AJ Moore followed with a 10-yard rushing score, and Duray added another field goal. With under two minutes left in the half,
Ty Carlson hauled in a 50-yard touchdown pass from Bland.
The Chaps went on to score 32 more points in the second half to secure the blowout win.
Daveon Madison added a rushing touchdown, while
Nate Foster caught two more touchdown passes from Bland.
Askia Bullie also found the end zone on a receiving score.
Defensively, DuPage caused problems for the Kings' offense.
Jaiden Vonner recorded an interception, while
Jamari Jefferson,
William Sierra, and
Ja'Mycheal Towns each recovered fumbles. Town's recovery capped off the day as he returned the loose ball 83 yards for a touchdown.
Cole Hamilton led the way with 10 tackles, while Sierra added 9.
Casey Bending and
Sal Laudicina each recorded a sack.
"I think we showed that when we come out with the mentality of 'it's DuPage versus DuPage,' and we execute and do the things we're taught, we're really successful. That's the challenge of a long season," said associate head coach
Trevor Cipriano. "Making sure guys are focused, dialed in, and understand the importance of every rep."
The No. 1 ranked Chaps will return home to host Iowa Central Community College on Oct. 11 in the NJCAA ESPN Game of the Week, which will be broadcast on ESPN+.
