The five-time defending NJCAA Division III National Champion College of DuPage Chaparrals football team officially began its title defense on Aug. 22 in Glen Ellyn, hosting the Scotties of Highland Community College. The "Blitz for Six" campaign opened with high drama at Bob MacDougall Field inside Bjarne Ullsvik Stadium, with the Chaps hanging on for a 34-32 victory over Division I Highland behind top-notch special teams play and a staggering 332 rushing yards on 50 carries.
The Chaps started with a bang when starting quarterback Reed Myers found Pat Pitello for a 23-yard touchdown pass to give DuPage a 7-0 advantage. Highland answered with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter, completing an eight-yard touchdown pass, but Terrell Williams got a hand on the ensuing PAT to keep the Chaps in front.
Yven Quenum powered his way in from four yards out midway through the second quarter to extend the DuPage lead to 14-6. The back-and-forth battle continued just minutes later when Highland connected on another touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 14-13.
On the ensuing kickoff, wide receiver Tre Olive exploded for a 77-yard kickoff return touchdown, immediately snatching the momentum back for the Chaps. The Scotties would add two field goals before halftime, however, trimming the DuPage lead to 21-19 at the break.
Just over a minute into the third quarter, it was Gavin Sanders' turn from the stable of DuPage running backs. Sanders glided down the sideline for a 47-yard Chaparral touchdown, pushing the lead to 28-19.
After the DuPage defense turned away the Scotties on their next possession, the Chaps marched into field goal range, where freshman kicker Max Weber connected on a 53-yard field goal to extend the lead to 31-19.
Highland, however, would not go away. The Scotties put together back-to-back scoring drives, taking their first lead of the game at 32-31 with nine minutes remaining.
DuPage would get the ball back but go three-and-out, putting the pressure squarely on the Chaps defense. The unit delivered, forcing a three-and-out of its own and giving DuPage one final opportunity to retake the lead.
With 5:21 remaining and starting from its own 27-yard line, DuPage methodically moved down the field. After being aided by a Highland holding penalty, Myers connected with Mark Washington-Melton on a screen pass, with the Chaps' back powering his way inside the five-yard line to set up a goal-to-go situation.
With 1:02 remaining, Weber calmly put a chip-shot field goal through the uprights to give DuPage a 34-32 advantage.
Highland received one final opportunity, but with no timeouts remaining, the Chaps' defense held firm as the clock expired, securing the 34-32 victory and a 1-0 start to the season for the five-time defending national champions.
Washington-Melton led the Chaps offensively, carrying the ball 21 times for 194 yards while adding two receptions for 23 yards to finish with 217 total offensive yards.
Defensively, Towan Jackson recorded five tackles, including one sack and three tackles for loss, while adding three quarterback hurries.
Weber delivered a perfect day on special teams, connecting on both of his field-goal attempts, while converting all four extra-point attempts for 10 total points. He also recorded two touchbacks on kickoffs.
Head coach Matt Rahn credited the Chaps' special teams unit for once again coming through in a critical moment, while also pointing to the team's ability to respond when the game tightened late.
"Special teams has basically been the backbone of our team," Rahn said. "No matter if we have strong offensive years or strong defensive years, our special teams always bail us out and put us in a good situation. But when you win a close game like that, it shows the character of your team. That's what I was proud of."
