DECATUR — Millikin dominated Luther College 37-14 Saturday to improve to 1-1.
Giovanni Natale opened the scoring with a 25-yard field goal before Sylas Gomez connected with Amir Nixon for an 11-yard touchdown, giving the Big Blue a 10-0 first-quarter lead.
Natale added field goals of 29 yards and another before halftime, while AJ Lee scored on a 6-yard run to put Millikin ahead 23-0 at the break.
Joshua Ware’s 10-yard touchdown run capped a 75-yard drive early in the third quarter. After Luther got on the board, Julian Keith answered with a 58-yard touchdown run to complete a 99-yard drive and give Millikin a 37-7 lead. Luther added a late touchdown.
Millikin outgained Luther 399-181, including a 255-68 advantage on the ground. The Big Blue also forced three turnovers, recovering two fumbles and making an interception.
Gomez completed 16 of 20 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. Ware led the rushing attack with 68 yards and a score, while Keith and Lee each rushed for more than 60 yards and a touchdown. Kevin Louis caught four passes for 44 yards.
Keith Thompson and Bransen Peters led Millikin with five tackles apiece. Latrell Hannon recorded four tackles, a forced fumble and an interception. Darrion Lumpkins forced another fumble, while Otis Banks III and Gavin Kohl had recoveries.
“I’m extremely proud of the way our coaches and players prepared and performed today,” Millikin coach Billy Riebock said. “From the opening kick, we played with great energy, physicality and focus. We’ll enjoy this one, but we know the work continues.”
Millikin travels to second-ranked Wheaton College next week for a 6 p.m. kickoff.
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