Football Puts on a Show for Homecoming, Defeats MacMurray 50-7

Published: April 13, 2021

GREENVILLE, Ill. -- For their homecoming game, the football team(4-3, 3-0 UMAC ) defeatedMacMurray 50-7. The Panthers came back from a 7-0 deficit in the first quarter to score 50 unanswered points in the victory. The Panther offense rushed for 390 yards andfive touchdowns. Greenville's defense held the Highlanders to 170 total yards while racking upfour sacks,six tackles for loss,two interceptions and a safety.

Senior running back Anthony Ambers (Apple Valley, Calif.) had another All-American day with25 rushes for 179 yards andtwo touchdowns. This week Ambers had some company in the end zone with freshman running backs Justin Honeycutt (Wabash, Ind.) and Tahir Williams (Sacramento, Calif.) accounting forthree touchdowns.

Quarterback Brendan Chambers (San Clemente, Calif.) stepped in and connected on a 36-yard touchdown strike to tight end Demontrez Simington (Atlanta, Ga.) in the third quarter.

Freshman kicker Luis Diaz (Santa Anna, Calif.) was 1-for-2, making a 41-yard field goal in the second quarter. Later his 46-yard attempt was blocked. Senior Reid Ackerman (Newton, Ill.) stayed perfect for the season, connecting on a 26-yard field goal late in the game.

The Panther defense held a conference opponent to one touchdown for the third week in a row. They were led by junior safety Andy Lozano (Desert Hot Springs, Calif.) who hadseven and a halftackles (five solo) and a momentum swinging interception in the second quarter. Senior linebackers David Maurer (Greenville, Ill.) and Joel Deayon (Los Angles, Calif.) combined fornine tackles,two sacks andtwo and ahalftackles for loss. Reuben Gay (Indianapolis, Ind.) had the second interception of the day and his first of the season.

The Highlanders (0-6, 0-3 UMAC)were led by their leading tackler linebacker Kelsey Mankins. He hadeight tackles on the day withone tacklefor a loss and a forced fumble. On offense, running back Brian Clay had the one score for the Highlanders to go along with his team leading 32 yards rushing.

"Our guys really invested their talent," said head coach Ordell Walker. "That was our theme this week and they really took this time, this moment, and played in the moment. I am very excited."

Next week, thePanthers travel to Fulton, Mo.,to take on Westminster (3-3, 1-2 UMAC). Kickoff is schedule for 1 p.m.at Priest Field.