(SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Nov. 27)—The 2010 McKendree University football season came to an end Saturday with the Bearcats' 27-7 loss at the University of Sioux Falls in the quarterfinal round of the NAIA Football Championship Series in South Dakota.

The host Cougars piled up 397 yards of total offense and limited McKendree to just 100 yards on the day to reach the NAIA final four for the sixth consecutive year. Sioux Falls improves to 12-0 on the year and will host a national semifinal contest next Saturday at Bob Young Field. McKendree, playing in the NAIA quarterfinal round for the second time in school history, wrapped up its season at 9-3.

“I thought both fronts in the game (for Sioux Falls) were awesome”, said McKendree head coach Carl Poelker. “They were a lot more physical on both sides of the ball. That had a lot to do with (the outcome). I give the credit to (Sioux Falls' coaching) staff.”

After blocking a punt midway through the first quarter, Sioux Falls looked to break a scoreless tie as it drove deep into McKendree territory. When the drive stalled at the Bearcats' seven-yard line, the Cougars lined up to attempt a 24-yard field goal. However, the snap was high, and holder Brock Madsen tried to run the ball in for a touchdown. McKendree sophomore defensive lineman Tim Weidenbacher (Naperville, IL/Naperville North) (Naperville, Ill./Naperville North) stopped Madsen at the line of scrimmage to end the scoring threat.

Sioux Falls scored with just 15.8 seconds left in the opening period on an 11-yard touchdown run by reserve running back Kristian Porter, with the extra point giving the Cougars a 7-0 lead. Midway through the second quarter, Porter found the end zone for a second time when he caught a 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jon Eastman for a 14-0 advantage.

The Cougars added to their lead with 46 seconds left until halftime with a 34-yard field goal from Braden Wieking to push the margin to 17-0. Following a McKendree turnover, Sioux Falls appeared to be in position to score again right before halftime, but a fumble on a center exchange was recovered by freshman defensive lineman Cameron Stringfellow-Ford (Danville, Ill./Danville) with just 18 seconds remaining before intermission.

Wieking hit another 34-yard field goal on the opening possession of the second half to give Sioux Falls a 20-0 lead before McKendree posted its only points of the day. Senior defensive back Emmitt Harriel (Cahokia, Ill./Cahokia) intercepted a pass by Eastman and returned it 29 yards to the Cougars' three-yard line. Two plays later, senior fullback Larry Russell (Aurora, Ill./Waubonsie Valley) (Aurora, Ill./Waubonsie Valley) scored on a one-yard run, and senior kicker Jordan Fark (Nashville, Ill./Nashville) added the extra point to bring the Bearcats within 20-7 with 5:42 left in the third quarter.

Porter sealed the victory for Sioux Falls in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter with his second touchdown run of the day, this time from one yard out. Porter rushed for a game-high 108 yards on 20 carries and caught four passes for 53 yards to earn the game's Outstanding Offensive Player honor. Porter was subbing for the Cougars' leading rusher Chevon Walker, who was injured on the second series of the game for Sioux Falls.

Eastman completed 22-of-31 pass attempts for 212 yards. His favorite target was Jon Ryan, who caught six passes for 55 yards. Alex Anderson added five receptions for 47 yards for the Cougars.

“I thought that (Eastman) really made some plays and kept their offense on task,” said Poelker.  “Porter did a great job when he came in running the ball and catching it out of the backfield.”

Senior running back Jimmy Berezik (Fraser, Mich./De La Salle) (Fraser, Mich./De La Salle) led McKendree with 31 yards rushing on 13 attempts. Berezik finished the season with 933 yards on the ground, which is the third-highest season total in Bearcat team history. Junior quarterback Austin Fisher (Washington, IL/Washington) (Washington, Ill./Washington) was 8-of-20 for 64 yards on the day. Fisher completed passes to six different receivers, including two passes each to junior wide receivers Myron Hicks (Sauk Village, IL/Bloom Trail) (Sauk Village, Ill./Bloom Trail) and Robby Mosher (Springfield, Ill./Sacred Heart-Griffin) (Springfield, Ill./Sacred Heart-Griffin).

With his two receptions, Hicks tied the Bearcats' single-season record for catches with 30. Hicks tied senior tight end Byron Gettis (Cahokia, Ill./Cahokia) (Cahokia, Ill./Cahokia), who had 30 catches in 2009. Gettis, who had one reception for three yards, closed out his McKendree career as the Bearcats' all-time receptions leader with 70.

Junior linebacker Brandon Nigro (New Lenox, IL/Lincoln-Way Central) (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way Central) paced the McKendree defense with 10 tackles, including seven solos. Harriel finished with eight tackles along with his interception and two pass break-ups. Senior safety Jon Malandrucco (Jacksonville, Fla./Bartram Trail) (Jacksonville, Fla./Bartram Trail) and freshman cornerback Ryan Keen (Country Club Hills, IL/Hillcrest) (Country Club Hills, Ill./Hillcrest) each chipped in with seven tackles.