USAFOOTBALL.COM Game Report

Chicago edges Washington (MO) 12-9

by Dave Hilbert, Sports Information Director, Chicago

CHICAGO -- The University of Chicago, which entered the game ranked first in the NCAA Division III in rushing defense, stopped Washington University on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line in the game's final minute to preserve a 12-9 win Saturday at Chicago's Stagg Field. With the victory, the Maroons captured the 2000 University Athletic Association title. The UAA championship is Chicago's (6-1 overall, 4-0 UAA) second in the past three years. With the victory, Chicago also regains the Founder's Trophy, which has been awarded to the series winner since 1987. Washington still holds a 10-4 edge in the cup's history. Trailing 12-9, Washington (5-4, 3-1) began its final drive on the Chicago 49-yard line with 3:37 left in the game. A 29-yard completion from Brian Tatom to Cory Snyder and runs of 11 and 7 yards by Tanner Ware moved the ball to the Chicago 2-yard line with just over a minute remaining. Led by All-American middle linebacker Dan Philips, the Maroons then stopped three straight runs to hold on for their fourth straight win. On Washington's previous drive, the Bears lost a chance to tie the game when Jonathan Feig hit the upright on a 31-yard field goal attempt with 4:43 left to play. Feig was 1-for-4 on the day. Washington scored first on a 40-yard field goal by Feig midway though the second quarter. Chicago answered with a 29-yard scoring strike from Josh Dunn to Brian Gutbrod with 1:24 left in the first half. The Maroons missed the extra-point to take a 6-3 halftime edge. Chicago went ahead 12-3 when Dunn connected with Joe Polaneczky from 18 yards out early in the third quarter. Chicago failed the two-point conversion. Washington's Luke McIntosh scored on a 58-yard interception return with 13:00 left in the game, but Chicago's Mike Wisner blocked the PAT to keep the score 12-9. Chicago held Washington to 18 net rushing yards on 29 carries and 176 total yards on 61 plays.

Where are the D-III 20th Century All Stars? Where is the NCAA Division III 20th Century All American Team? As usual, the student/athletes who have played the game for fun have been ignored by everyone who has selected Teams of the Century - but that will be corrected by usafootball.com. See story.....

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