Turnovers, slow start cost Titans in CCIW opener

Posted on September 17, 2016

Maurice Shoemaker-Gilmore led the Titans with 51 rushing yards in IWU’s loss to North Central on Saturday. (Photo courtesy www.iwusports.com)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Illinois Wesleyan’s two reserve quarterbacks threw six interceptions as the Titans dug a 24-point first half deficit in a 34-7 loss to No. 9 North Central in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opener at Tucci Stadium.

Jack Donegan, making his second start for the Jack Warner as he recovers from offseason knee surgery, completed 3 of 9 passes for 15 yards and two interceptions. Freshman Brandon Bauer, who coach Norm Eash said before the game would play several series, led IWU on an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive to open the second half.

PODCAST: Listen to the postgame interview with IWU coach Norm Eash on WJBC.

The Titans would get no closer than 27-7 in the second half. Oshayne Brown capped the scoring for North Central (3-0) with a 7-yard TD run late in the fourth quarter.

Bauer finished 7 of 19 for 79 yards and four interceptions.

Broc Rutter, a freshman transfer from Indiana State, controlled the pace for North Central in his first CCIW game. He completed 19 of 37 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns.

The Titans (1-1) next play Saturday at North Park.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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