Fighting Bees Make it 15 in a Row in Conference Play
By: Ryan Holtmann - St. Ambrose University Sports Information

October 7, 2002       1:37 p.m.    

The Fighting Bees continued their unbeaten conference run, making it 15 straight contests without a loss.  Joe Schimmel and Brandon Adolphs combined to rush for 217 yards on 39 carries.  John McDowell came back from last week's fourth quarter injury to throw for 132 yards on 13 of 22 passing, throwing for one touchdown.  Lavill Figgs had five tackles on the day, one for a loss and he also snagged an interception.  Adam Panther led the defense with 12 total tackles (three assisted).  

The No. 12 Fighting Bees (3-1) jumped out to a 20-3 lead midway through the second quarter.  The Olivet Nazarene Tigers (0-4) would manage to fight within three, but a Lavill Figgs interception with 4:57 left in the fourth quarter was all that the Fighting Bees would need as they would run the clock out and go onto win 23-20.

Joe DuPage would grab McDowell's only touchdown pass with 6:29 to go in the second quarter.  This drive only took one play and 32 yards to help put the Fighting Bees up 20-3.  DuPage would finish the day with two receptions for 37 yards.  Aaron Washington led the receiving with three receptions tallying 40 yards.  Steve Clary also grabbed three passes for 32 yards.  

The Fighting Bees special team squad had a great weekend. Schimmel continued his outstanding day with three kickoff returns totaling 85 yards.  His longest return went for 36 yards. And for the first time this season, the Fighting Bees kicked a successful field goal.  The kick came from the leg of Matt Webster who booted a 24-yarder towards the end of the third quarter.  Mark Whitlock handled most of the kickoff duties on the day.  Josh Embretson returned to his All-American form with four punts sailing for 189 yards, averaging out to 47.2 yards a punt.  His longest of the day went for 53 yards.   

All in all the Fighting Bees got back on the winning track and look to continue their streak Saturday when the travel to Joliet, Ill. to face off against the St. Francis Fighting Saints at 6:00 p.m.  St. Francis (1-3) is coming off a 31-14 loss to St. Xavier last Saturday.  The Fighting Bees will return home to Brady Street Stadium on October 19 and will take on the Trinity International Trojans (3-2) will face off against Olivet Nazarene before traveling to Davenport.    

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