DECATUR, Ill. - Carroll University earned its first conference victory of the season with a 28-17 road win over Millikin on Saturday at Frank M. Lindsay Field. The Pioneers improved to 1-3 overall and 1-2 in CCIW play behind a dominant rushing attack and clutch fourth-quarter execution.
Carroll struck first midway through the opening quarter when Reed Breckheimer capped a short drive with a two-yard touchdown run. Millikin answered in the second quarter as quarterback Sylas Gomez connected with Cooper Christensen for a seven-yard score, then added a 31-yard Bryson Newport field goal just before halftime to pull ahead 10-7. Carroll responded quickly, marching 75 yards in five plays, highlighted by Mikey Coleman's 44-yard burst, and quarterback Elisha Nieves finished the drive with a five-yard touchdown run for a 14-10 lead at the break.
Defense ruled the third quarter as neither team scored, but Carroll's ground game took over late. After blocking a punt early in the fourth, the Pioneers engineered a 13-play, 62-yard drive that drained over seven minutes, ending with Breckheimer's second touchdown from five yards out. Following a defensive stop, Coleman sealed the win with a 19-yard touchdown run, his longest of the day, giving Carroll a 28-10 advantage. Millikin added a late touchdown pass with two seconds remaining, but it wasn't enough.
Coleman powered the offense with 141 rushing yards and a score on 19 carries, while Breckheimer added two touchdowns. Nieves managed the game efficiently, completing 10 of 17 passes for 79 yards and rushing for a score. Carroll finished with 181 rushing yards and converted all four red-zone chances.
Defensively, Evan Griffiths and Anthony Pickens led the charge with eight and seven tackles, respectively, while Drake Emanuel recorded a key interception in the third quarter. Carroll's special teams also shined, with Matthew Swink perfect on four PATs and three touchbacks on kickoffs.
The Pioneers return home next Saturday looking to build momentum after a gritty road win, as they face North Park at 2pm for their Homecoming Game.
