October 14, 2006

Washington Defeats Chicago 26-7 in Founders Trophy Clash

CHICAGO -- Washington (Mo.) University's defense forced three turnovers and held the University of Chicago football team to minus-2 yards rushing en route to a 26-7 University Athletic Association win over the Maroons Saturday at Stagg Field.

With the victory, Washington (4-3 overall, 1-0 UAA) regained possession of the Founders Trophy, which has been awarded to the series winner annually since 1987. The Bears, who fell to Chicago (2-3, 0-1) 27-0 a year ago in St. Louis, now own a 15-5 edge in Founders Trophy matchups.

Brent Sensenich set up Washington's first touchdown when he returned a fumble 31 yards to the Chicago 9-yard line on the first play of the second quarter. Two plays later, DaRonne Jenkins scored on a 6-yard run.

The Bears took a 12-0 lead on a 45-yard scoring strike from Pat McCarthy to Nick Lizanich with 1:47 left in the first half.

On the first possession of the second half, Washington marched 67 yards in 12 plays, capped by a Gabe Murphy 8-yard touchdown run to give the Bears a 19-0 advantage.

Washington scored its final touchdown when Joe Shaughnessey intercepted a pass near midfield and returned it 52 yards for the score.

Chicago got on the board late in the contest. Sophomore Frank Chor (Orland Park, Ill./ Sandburg) blocked a punt and senior Scott Johnson (Montgomery, Ill./ Oswego) returned it to the Washington 5-yard line. Senior quarterback Matt Rinklin (New York, N.Y./ Fordham Prep) scored on a 2-yard dash with 4:58 remaining in the game.

Washington, which entered the game ranked 12th in the NCAA Division III in rushing defense, held Chicago -- which boasted the nation's 18th best rushing offense -- to minus-2 yards on the ground. Charlie Machan led the Bears with four sacks and a forced fumble.

Murphy and Jenkins ran for 68 and 63 yards, respectively, for Washington. McCarthy completed 13 of 26 pass attempts for 140 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

Rinklin was 19 of 38 for 137 yards with two interceptions for the Maroons. Junior receiver Mike Albian (Darien, Ill./ Montini) caught a game-high eight passes for 54 yards.

Box Score