ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Beloit College football team kicked off the 2025 season this afternoon at Sam Greeley field on the campus of Rockford University. The Battle of the Rock River returned to Illinois after the Buccaneers hosted the last two match ups. The Buccaneers took a 6-9 lead into the locker room at the half but, couldn't hold on in the second half and fell to the Regents by a final score of 15-19.
1st Quarter:
Beloit started strong, scoring first with a safety at the 3:00 mark, giving them a 2-0 lead. Nate Caplan (Stuart, FL) strip-sacked the RU quarterback in the end zone, RU recovered the ball, however they were unable to get out of the end zone. The Buccaneers (0-1, 0-0 MWC) had 7 rushing yards and 6 passing yards, totaling 11 offensive plays for 27 yards. Beloit's defense was active, with Michael Snow (Parkland, FL) and Jaiden Ospina (Stuart, FL)making key tackles.
2nd Quarter:
Beloit extended their lead with a touchdown. Conner Richards (Piedmont, OK) rushed for a 1-yard touchdown at 06:56, followed by a successful kick from John Connolly (Stuart, FL), bringing the score to 9-0. However, Rockford answered back with a passing touchdown, making the score 9-6 at the end of the second quarter. Beloit had 10 rushing attempts for -1 yard and 62 passing yards in the quarter, totaling 19 offensive plays for 61 yards.
3rd Quarter:
The Bucs added to their score with a 32-yard field goal by Connolly at 10:56, increasing their lead to 12-6. The Regents (1-0, 0-0 NACC) then took the lead with a passing touchdown, making it 12-13. In this quarter, Beloit had 8 rushing yards and 14 passing yards, totaling 11 offensive plays for 20 yards. Amani Floyd (Miami, FL) had a notable 63-yard kick return.
4th Quarter:
Connolly made another field goal, this time from 35 yards out at 05:41, to put Beloit back in the lead 15-13. However, RU scored a rushing touchdown at 02:29 to secure their victory. In the final quarter, Beloit had 8 rushing yards and 13 passing yards, totaling 20 offensive plays for 37 yards. Battle had a 43-yard punt return.
Beloit's offense accumulated 145 total yards, with 50 rushing and 95 passing yards, and secured 10 first downs. Richards led the rushing attack with 16 net yards and also handled the passing duties, completing 12 of 28 attempts for 95 yards. Chris Moore (Lakeland, FL) was the leading receiver with 26 yards. On special teams, Ian Ladd (Madison, WI) averaged 36.9 yards on 7 punts, while Battle and Floyd contributed with punt and kickoff returns, respectively. Defensively, Ospina was a standout with 12 total tackles, and Snow added a sack.
The Buccaneers will begin Midwest Conference play next week when they travel to Grinnell, Iowa for a clash with the Pioneers. Kick off from Rosenbloom field is set for 1 pm.
