The Illinois Wesleyan football team fell to Washington University during their Homecoming game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. The team was down 33-8 midway through the third quarter before mounting a 16 point comeback, but ultimately falling short, losing 33-23.
The game started with a defensive stalemate, and it was not until the last two minutes of the first quarter that the Bears punched in the first score of the game. The Titans tried to match them on the next drive, but were unsuccessful. The Bears went on to score again, extending their lead, but senior linebacker Frank Roti blocked the extra point attempt, housing the ball on a 95 yard run to make the game 13-2.
“I have never run that far before. It was the highlight of my game,” Roti said. “It was a big momentum booster for the team, and it led us to more points and plays in the second half.
The Titans didn’t find the endzone again until two minutes remained in the second quarter, where sophomore quarterback Dermot Smyth found senior Myles Kee cornered in the endzone. The Titans went for the two-point conversion but could not convert it.
As the third quarter progressed, the Bears scored a 10 point play, bringing them up by 33-8, and a 84 yard drive to strengthen their lead. Sophomore Jahari Scott picked up the kick off and proceeded to evade tackles for an 88 yard house call. The Titans scored again after the Bears fumbled the ball within the Titans’ 20, and they converted on the two point attempt to make it a two score game.
Nobody scored in the fourth quarter, with the Titans failing two fourth down conversions on their half of the field, costly downs that could have put the Titans in the lead. Despite their best efforts, the Titans were unable to catch up with the Bears.
“The atmosphere of the game was great. The first half was disappointing. We gave up too many points on defense. The second half, we came out strong, but our struggles in the first half caused us to lose the game.” Roti said.
The Titans hope to bounce back from their first conference loss with a battle against the Millikin Big Blue on Oct. 19, 2024 at Tucci Stadium.
The Titans Dance Team performed for the second time this season during the football game, keeping morale high through a tough game with flashy pom-poms and bright smiles. Even though the Titans lost to Bears, the dance team was able to show their support to the Green and White. Dancers, such as freshman Beth Goluszka, provided an exhilarating performance that kept the Titans in fighting spirit.
“The game was really energizing and exciting. We practiced twice a week for a few hours and then on Friday, we went over the fight song, Goluszka said. “The halftime performance was my favorite part of the day. We got to perform with Tommy Titan. I remember feeling a huge adrenaline rush because we were dancing in front of a huge crowd and my family was there.”
The Titans Dance Team will perform next during the Titans football game against Milikin on Oct. 19, 2024 at Tucci Stadium.