Sophomore running back Latif Adams destroyed the Westminster game-day rushing yards record with 270 net yards during the Blue Jays' 30-20 win over Greenville College on Saturday, September 26. The win over Greenville leaves the Blue Jays just one of three teams in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) with an undefeated conference record. The Blue Jays are 3-0 in conference and 3-1 overall.
The Blue Jays received to start the game, and freshman Matt Quarles returned the ball 25 yards to start the drive on the Westminster 49-yard line. Sophomore quarterback Trent White threw a 46-yard pass to freshman Peair Howard to place the Blue Jays on the Greenville 5-yard line. A four yard pass to Adams, followed by a one-yard touchdown rush gave the Blue Jays a 6-0 lead. Senior kicker Kevin Ludwig's point after attempt failed, leaving the Blue Jays with the 6-0 lead.
Junior Brett Simon intercepted the ball on the Westminster nine-yard line on Greenville's drive and returned the ball 11 yards. The Blue Jays were unable to convert their drive, and Ludwig punted to the Greenville 30. After 16 plays, Greenville completed a four yard pass for a touchdown with 37 seconds left in the first quarter. The point after attempt was good, giving Greenville the 7-6 lead.
The Blue Jays' drive rolled into the second quarter, but was cut short with an interception. Neither team was able to convert their next two drives until Greenville took over on their own 22-yard line with 4:33 left in the half. Two 20+ yard plays for the, brought them to the Westminster 22-yard line, and an 8-yard rush scored their second touchdown of the day. Freshman Cj Landor blocked the point after attempt, leaving the score at 13-6, Greenville.
The Blue Jays started their drive with 1:39 left in the half. They pushed their way to the Greenville six-yard line, but a holding penalty moved them back to the 16-yard line. A 14-yard pass from freshman quarterback Eain Roberts to Quarles put the Blue Jays on the one-yard line, but they were unable to score before time ran out. The Blue Jays headed into halftime down 13-6.
Greenville received in the second half, but the Blue Jays held them from scoring and took over on the Westminster 11-yard line. Junior Mike Washington received a 42-yard pass from Roberts to score a touchdown 4:40 into the second half. Ludwig made his PAT, tying the game at 13-13.
With 55 seconds left in the third quarter, the Blue Jays punted the ball, but a fumble by Greenville was recovered by the Blue Jays at the Greenville 45. The Blue Jays were held to just three plays before they punted to start the fourth quarter.
On the Blue Jays' first drive of the fourth quarter, Adams rushed for 64 yards for a touchdown. Ludwig hit the PAT, giving the Blue Jays a 20-13 lead. Freshman Jake Money forced the fumble on the kickoff return, and senior Bret Robertson recovered the ball at the Greenville 36-yard line. The Blue Jays got within field goal distance, and Ludwig kicked a 34-yard field goal to take the 23-13 lead.
With 4:36 left in the game, Greenville scored off a 37-yard pass. The kick attempt was good, bringing the game within a field goal, 23-20. The Blue Jays wasted no time though. Junior Jack Williams returned the kickoff 18 yards to their own 43-yard line and then Adams rushed for 57 yards for a touchdown. Ludwig's PAT was good, giving the Blue Jays the 30-20 lead with 4:19 on the clock. The Blue Jay defense held Greenville from scoring on their next drive, taking over with 3:12 on the clock. The Blue Jays finished out the game, winning 30-20.
Adams had 17 carries for 270 net yards, breaking the 2003 record by 37 yards. He averaged 15.9 yards per carry and scored three of the four touchdowns for the Blue Jays. Washington led the air game with three receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown.
White had eight completions for 83 yards. Roberts also had eight completions, totaling 98 yards and one touchdown.
The Blue Jay defense grabbed 74 tackles during the game, and Robertson led with 15.
Ludwig averaged 42 yards per kickoff, kicking for 252 yards. He had a 34-yard field goal and 225 punting yards.
The Blue Jays host Crown College (Minn.) on Saturday, October 3, for their fourth conference game. Kickoff is at noon at Priest Field. Live video and statistics will be provided through the Westminster website, wcbluejays.com.