Scots Have a lot Riding on Final Game 

Release Date: November 12, 2001

Saturday’s 36-3 victory over Knox in the Knox Bowl not only gave Monmouth College a 52-50-10 lead in the age-old series, but also assured the 7-2 Scots their highest win total since 1990.

For the first time since 1981, the Monmouth-Knox game will not be the last contest of the season. The Midwest Conference postponed the games scheduled for Sept. 15 after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C.

Although the final score indicated Monmouth’s domination over Knox, that was not the case in the first half when the Scots led just 9-0.

"I told them at halftime, if they don’t score, the game’s over," said defensive coordinator Chad Braun, who was then asked about any halftime adjustments he made. "No need to. We played a solid first half."

The Scots’ defense got started early when safety Luke Jackson (Mahomet, Ill./Prairie Central) picked off a Mike Erwin pass at the Monmouth 15 and returned it back to midfield. Braun credits linebacker Clint Terwilliger (Wyoming, Ill./Stark County) for creating Jackson’s pick.

"Its too bad there isn’t a stat for creating an interception,’ said Braun, "Twigs really created the opportunity for Luke’s interception."

Head coach Steve Bell agreed with his assistant, stating, "We had a great game plan going in. The key was sticking to the game plan and executing the game plan." That game plan limited the Prairie Fire to just 18 rushing yards as the Scots outgained Knox 430-152.

Offensively, sophomore quarterback Rob Purlee (Mt. Carroll, Ill./HS) again produced some impressive numbers going 16-of-26 passing for 299 yards and three TDs.

"At halftime we talked about going vertical with our passing game," said Bell. "Going vertical" was to the offenses’ liking, as Nathan Gaskill finished the day with seven receptions for 109 yards including a 60-yard scoring reception that put the Scots up 15-3.

"Gaskill had a good day, but we have a quality receiving corps with Randy Williams (Hillside, Ill./Lane Tech) and Tyler Snyder (Chillicothe, Ill./IVC)," said Bell.

The scouting report the Scots had for the Foresters (4-5, 4-4) form the originally scheduled date can be thrown out, according to the Scots’ coaches. The Lake Forest offense the Scots will see this weekend can be summed up in three words according to Bell - "Throw the ball.

"Our job defensively will be to pressure the quarterback," Bell continued. He’s an ‘in the pocket’ kind of guy." That pressure, is created in the trenches," said Bell, who credited the front seven with pressuring the passing game.

Although LFC’s sophomore signal-caller has thrown 14 interceptions in conference games, Bell does not think that is indicative of Lackey’s caliber.

"Given how much they throw, that isn’t a really high number."

Numerous offensive records could fall, as Purlee needs just six more completions to set the single season record currently held by Hall of Famer Robb Long and two more TD passes to set a new career record. Williams could also break three return records on Saturday and Gaskill could set the TD reception record with two scores.

So with the Knox game now history, the best record since 1990 assured and the conference season officially over (Monmouth finished third), does that lessen the importance of this weekend’s game at Lake Forest, especially since the contest will not count in the conference standings?

"Heck no," Bell said without hesitation. "Our job is to keep the kids focused. It’s extremely important for an 8-2 record."

Football