Quincy, IL - The McKendree University Football team (2-3, 2-1 GLVC) had a battle on their hands on Saturday afternoon. After venturing northwest, they made their way into QU Stadium to take on the Quincy Hawks (3-2, 1-1 GLVC) in the annual Battle for the Land of Lincoln trophy game, with the winner getting a traveling steel top hat. From a second-half defensive shutout to a quality ground game and poised execution in the game's closing minutes, the Bearcats delivered in every phase. Kicker Chase Reeves provided the final touch - a 44-yard field goal with 5:44 remaining - sealing McKendree's third consecutive one-score victory at Quincy, 24-21. 

A STATEMENT ROAD VICTORY
The Bearcats showed poise and persistence, erasing a halftime deficit with a relentless second-half surge. McKendree out-gained Quincy 382-261 in total offense and controlled the ball for nearly 35 minutes, dictating the tempo when it mattered most. 

After trading early blows, the Bearcat offense steadied, and the defense stiffened. Reeves' go-ahead field goal capped a 10-play, 54-yard drive. 

OFFENSE FINDS ITS RHYTHM
Quarterback Ty Michael led an efficient, balanced attack, throwing for 272 yards and two touchdowns while connecting with seven different receivers. His early 21-yard strike to Daryle Jones Jr. set the tone, and his third-quarter touchdown to Jaylen Ford of 19 yards brought McKendree all the way back to even at 21-21. 

In the backfield, Eddie Clark was again an offensive engine. The senior carried 27 times for 131 yards, including a powerful 15-yard touchdown in the second quarter. His consistency helped the Bearcats win the battle on the ground in convincing fashion, 110 yards to 22. Ford paced the receiving corps with seven catches for 106 yards, while Brylan Apholone added 62 yards on five receptions. 

DEFENSE RISES WHEN IT COUNTS
After 21 first-half points, McKendree's defense answered with a statement of its own - pitching a second-half shutout. Khalid Stewart led the charge with five tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack, while Robert Frank and Dameion Hatten each added a sack of their own to help the Bearcats pressure the quarterback. 

Cyris Davis delivered a crucial interception late in the second quarter that halted a Quincy drive and shifted momentum right back to McKendree. The Bearcats allowed just two conversions on 10 third-down attempts, tightening its grip as the game wore on and making key stops that set the stage for Reeves' heroics. 

SPECIAL TEAMS SEAL THE MOMENT
Reeves' day will be remembered for the winning kick, sure, but it was also a complete special teams performance by him. Reeves averaged 52.4 yards on five punts, placing three inside the 20 and booming three beyond 50 yards. His precision in both roles, punter and kicker, swung field position and gave the Bearcats the edge they needed. 

Meanwhile, Jerry Richardson's 41 yards on kickoff returns and a quality return unit gave McKendree advantageous starting field position, ensuring that every phase of the game contributed to the win. 

BEARCAT STATISTICAL LEADERS
Offensive Leaders
Eddie Clark | 27 carries, 131 yards, 1 TD
Ty Michael | 20-for-40 passing, 272 yards, 2 TDs

Defensive Leaders
Khalid Stewart | 5 tackles, 2.0 TFLs, 1 sack
Cyris Davis | 1 INT, 21 return yards

Special Teams Leaders
Chase Reeves | 5 punts, 262 yards (52.4 avg), 44-yard GW FG
Jerry Richardson | 2 kick returns, 41 yards (20.5 avg)

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
@ Southwest Baptist Bearcats (3-2, 2-1 GLVC)
Saturday, October 11th - 1:00 PM CST Kickoff
at Plaster Stadium - Bolivar, MO
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Live Stats (SidearmSports)
*Tickets are cash only; $10 Adult, $5 Child*