Box Score CROOKSTON, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Crookston football team held with Augustana College (S.D.) early but 30 second-half points led the Vikings to a 54-0 win in the season opener at Ed Widseth Field in Crookston, Minn. Augustana was led by the passing of Trey Heid, who was 20-of-31 for 288 yards and three touchdowns, and the dominant and powerful running of C.J. Ham, who had 16 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns.

The Golden Eagles had moments of brilliance but were unable to capitalize on several drives early on in the game. The debut of Ben Bucholz (Jr., QB, Perham, Minn.) was strong as the former St. Cloud State University and University of Minnesota Duluth basketball player, completed 16-of-25 passes for 146 yards and rushed 17 times for 57 yards. His top target on the day was freshman Adam Connette (Fr., WR, Corona, Calif.), who was also impressive in his debut as he had eight catches for 64 yards.

Defensively, UMC looked to Greg Lofquist (Sr., LB, South St. Paul, Minn.), the converted defensive end, was all over the field showing off his motor with nine tackles on the game. In addition, freshman defensive end Benjamin Taliulu (Aiea, Hawai'I) was impressive with eight tackles and one tackle for loss while freshman Jamaal Burgess (DB, Homestead, Fla.) had eight tackles, as well. 

Augustana started out the scoring as Lucas Wainman rocketed the ball 52 yards to put the Vikings up 3-0.

The next drive, UMC looked poised to score as they moved the ball 40 yards to the opposing 35, but an illegal procedure call and incomplete passes forced the Golden Eagles to punt. UMC would have another chance later in the first quarter again moving the ball to the Augustana 30, but their offense again came to a stop, turning the ball over on downs.

Augustana would get their first touchdown of the game as Heid hit Matt Gerry from 21 yards out for a touchdown.

UMC started the second quarter off strong, moving the ball 72 yards to the Augie 22, but Dre Person (So., RB, Detroit, Mich.) would fumble the ball, which was recovered by Augustana's Ben Skelly. 

Augustana took advantage of the turnover as Heid would rush 15 yards for the score to make it 17-0.

The Vikings would add another touchdown later in the second half as Heid completed a 22-yard touchdown pass to Matt Heller. Augustana would go into the break up 24-0.
The Vikings completely took over the game from there led by the running of Ham. With a rush of 22 yards and a touchdown run of 18 yards, Augustana was quickly on the baord with a 30-0 lead. Their next drive, Wainman would hit a 32-yard field goal to put the Vikings up 33-0 on the Golden Eagles.

After UMC continued to be ineffective offensively, Augie again took the ball to pay dirt as Heid hit Grant Gebhardt for a seven-yard touchdown pass to make it 40-0.

Augustana would finish off the scoring in the fourth quarter as Justin Greenway rushed for a two-yard touchdown and Ham ran in from 14-yards out to make the final score 54-0.

In addition to Ham and Heid, Matt Gerry had five receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown for Augustana, while Justin Greenway had 14 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown.

The Golden Eagles return to action as they face Southwest Minnesota State University Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. in Marshall, Minn.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
 
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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).