Box Score Box Score
CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) football team had endured a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) losing streak that spanned 39 games and were depleted by injuries going into today's NSIC game with Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). However, the Golden Eagles were not to be denied on their homecoming game as Richard Haley (Sr, RB, Detroit, Mich.) rushed for a career high 238 yard on 34 carries while adding three touchdowns to lead UMC to a 33-28 victory over the Mustangs. It was the first NSIC victory for the Golden Eagles since a 20-16 homecoming victory over Minnesota State University Moorhead on September 27, 2008.

Haley and the Golden Eagles asserted their dominance on the first play from scrimmage when the senior running back exploded for a 60 yard touchdown run at 14;49 of the first quarter followed by Stephen Henderson's (Sr, TE/K, Chatsworth, Cal.) point after to make the score 7-0. After a two-yard touchdown run by the SMSU's Tyler Peschong at 10:07 of the first and extra point by Lance Schuveiller made the score 7-7, the Golden Eagles again took control. A.J. Barge (So, QB, Carrollton, Georgia) found the end zone with a 24 yard scamper at 4:49 of the first. Henderson's extra point was blocked to make the score 13-7. Haley closed out the first half scoring at 11:13 of the second quarter with a one yard plunge. Henderson's extra point made the score 19-7.

UMC and SMSU traded touchdowns to start the second half when Marcus Cheatham (Jr, WR, Stockton, Cal.) caught a 35 yard touchdown reception from Barge at 9:31 of the third quarter. Henderson's extra point made the score 26-7. The Mustangs responded at 7:49 when Warren Matthews exploded for a 58 yard touchdown run. Schuveiller's extra point made the score 26-14. Haley closed out the third quarter's scoring at 2:27 with a 20 yard run. Henderson's extra point made the score 33-14. The Mustangs made the game interesting from there scoring the games' final two touchdowns. Gannon Moore scored on a 38 yard touchdown reception from Peschong at 12:05 of the fourth quarter. Schuveiller's extra point made the score 33-21. Moore's eight yard run at 4:48 followed by Schuveiller's extra point made the score 33-28. The Golden Eagles proceeded to gain two first downs and run out the clock to secure the victory.

In addition to Haley, Barge rushed for 32 yards on eight carries. He also completed 14 passes on 26 attempts for 158 yards and one touchdown. Cheatham had six receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown. Josh Ross (Fr, WR, Palmdale, Cal.) had five receptions for 43 yards.

Cecil Brown, Jr. (Sr., DB, Edison, Georgia) led a stout Golden Eagle defense with 15 tackles (five solo/ten assisted). Brown has led the team in all four games this season and came into the day as the conference leader in tackles. Brody Davidson (So, LB, Crookston, Minn.) recorded eight tackles (three solo/five assisted) while Andrew Hall (Jr, LB, Detroit, Mich.) added seven (four solo/three assisted). Ricky Jacobs (Jr, LB, Junction City, Kan.) and Freedom McCullough (Jr, DB, Valley Village, Cal.) each recorded interceptions for UMC.

SMSU was led by Matthews who rushed 13 times for 139 yards and one touchdown. Moore rushed ten times for 69 yards and one touchdown. He also had ten receptions for 118 yards and one touchdown. Peschong completed 18 passes on 28 attempts for one touchdown with two interceptions.

On the defensive side, SMSU was led by A.J. Page who recorded 14 tackles (six solo/eight assisted) with one sack. J.J. Bobrowicz recorded 13 tackles (five solo/eight assisted).

UMC's defense held the SMSU offense to 2-of-7 on third down conversions.

SMSU falls to 1-3 overall and 1-3 in the NSIC. UMC improves to 1-3 overall and 1-3 in the NSIC.

The Golden Eagles were without two normal starters on the offensive line in Kevin Myers (OL, Monroe, N.J.) and Austin Schwager (OL, Corona, Calif.). In addition, top back-ups A.J. Wallace (OL, New Richmond, Wis.) and UMC Homecoming King Jeff Pryor (R-Jr., Havana, Ill.) were also out with injuries. In their place, two players who were tight ends, Matt Borowicz (So., OL, Stephen, Minn.) and Jacob Costilow (Fr., OL, Wildomar, Calif.), just weeks ago stepped in and helped UMC to 284 on the ground.

The Golden Eagles were also impacted on the defensive line as players who started earlier in the season, Jonique Andrews (So., DL, Stockton, Calif.), Greg Lofquist (So., DL, S. St. Paul, Minn.) and Drew Selvestra (So., DL, Eagan, Minn.) were all out with injuries.

The Golden Eagles return to NSIC action when they travel to Bemidji State University on Saturday, September 29. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

Follow the Golden Eagles on Facebook at Golden Eagle Sports and on Twitter at @UMCAthletics.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
    
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