Bluejays' Stellar Run Comes to an End in Second Round of NCAA Playoffs
Elmhurst College head football coach Tim Lester says the team has much to be proud of this season.
Elmhurst College record-breaking football season came to an end in Minnesota Saturday, when the Bluejays fell to the University of St. Thomas Tommies 24-17 in the second round of the NCAA playoffs.
According to the Bluejays website, Elmhurst started strong, scoring the first 14 points of the game, but St. Thomas came back to lead 21-14 at the half. The Bluejays had a couple of chances for a comeback in the second half, but they were held off by the Tommies' defense and had to settle for a field goal.
The 4th-ranked St. Thomas finished its season undefeated.
| Score by Quarters | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Total |
| St. Thomas | 7 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
| Elmhurst | 14 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 17 |
Read the full scoring summary here.
Elmhurst's head coach Tim Lester was quoted on elmhurstbluejays.com:
"There are certain games that come down to one play here or there. Today's game fit that description. I give St. Thomas a lot of credit, they made the big plays when they needed to and got the job done."
Read the full story here, with play-by-play details.
Elmhurst finished the season 10-2 after winning its first league championship since the 1980. It was the first time in the history of the school that the Bluejays participated in the NCAA playoffs.
Also, Elmhurst College running back Scottie Williams is one of 10 finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, which recognizes the most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III. The winner will be awarded Dec. 12.
Alan Brinkmeier
7:45 am on Sunday, November 25, 2012
Fine season, 10 -2 and CCIW Tri Champs, Bluejays! Well done. 'Stand up and cheer........"
Joanne Kurek
6:27 am on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Great team- we are so proud of all you've accomplished. Hopefully Scottie wins the Gagliardi Trophy and secures his place in history!