Eagles Have Spirited Effort in Home Opener

Streamwood, IL - The Judson Eagles 2023 Football season kicked off on the first Saturday of September as they welcomed into town the NAIA #7 ranked Marian University Knights. While the Eagles' effort was spirited, it was ultimately the Knights that came out on top in the contest 40-6. 

After the Knights scored in a blink of an eye on their first two drives of the game, the JU defense stood strong for the next several drives. On both sides of the ball, Judson was competing, and making plays. On Judson's second drive of the game, they drove the ball 80 yards for their first score of the game, and season. It was an encouraging five play drive that was capped by an Aydan Edwards (Franktown, CO) touchdown pass to Grant Alexander (Chicago, IL) to make it 14-6. 

From there, the Eagles were playing the Knights near even until midway through the second quarter. That was when a Marian punt block turned into an instant touchdown just before halftime. That play was the momentum changer heading into the locker room. That play soon spilled into a controlled ground attack for Marian for much of the second half. In the half, several long runs by the Knights allowed them to add to their lead throughout the second half. 

The Eagles were not without bright spots in the contest. Running back Brandon Mackey (McRae, GA) had 17 carries for 82 yards. Backup quarterback Jaedon Hubbard came on in relief and went 14-24 for 144 yards. In addition, several big chunk plays were also narrow misses that could have really changed the complexion of the game. 

Head Coach Demps can also take major positives from the fact that JU had zero turnovers, and only five penalties. 

The speedster, Anthony Cathcart (Spring, TX) added 2 catches for 82 yards, with 53 yards coming on a nifty chunk play. 

While the score did not go in favor of the Eagles, you can already see the changes in culture and effort that the coaching staff is instilling. This team is going to play hard, and with passion. And with a team, still very young in the program building, those are very important building blocks to have. 

Judson will now have a week off, before traveling to Concordia, MI for game two of the season. Kickoff for that is Saturday, September 16th at noon cst.