BOURBONNAIS, IL. — Olivet Nazarene (IL) (5-1) dominated Judson (IL) (0-7) with a 53-7 victory at Ward Field, highlighted by a balanced offensive attack that accumulated 560 total yards.
The first quarter began with Olivet Nazarene establishing dominance on both offense and defense. After forcing Judson into a three-and-out on their opening possession, Kennarius Chandler and Joe Fugle made key defensive plays. The Tigers capitalized on the short field with Christian Dhue-Reid connecting with Ray Coffey for an 18-yard gain before Lehiwa Kahana-Travis‘s 22-yard rush set up a 6-yard touchdown pass to Trey Reeves, putting the team ahead.
Judson’s subsequent drive was stifled by strong defensive pressure, including a sack by Darrick Burt and Michael Washington. Olivet Nazarene extended their lead with another scoring drive, highlighted by a 34-yard rush from Kahana-Travis and a 20-yard touchdown catch by Blake Lamb. A 25-yard field goal by Josiah Johnson further increased the lead.
As the quarter closed, the Tigers maintained control, forcing another Judson punt and ending with a solid defensive stance. The scoreboard showed Olivet Nazarene ahead 15-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The momentum shifted early in the second quarter as Vaisen Viloria intercepted a pass from Marcus Freeman at the ONU17, halting Judson’s offensive push. The Tigers capitalized on this turnover with Dhue-Reid connecting on a 38-yard touchdown pass to Coffey, extending their lead. A subsequent drive saw Dhue-Reid lead the team downfield, culminating in a 23-yard touchdown pass to Lamb, further solidifying their control.
Olivet Nazarene’s defense maintained pressure, with significant contributions including a sack by Jalen Perkins that forced Judson into unfavorable downs. Although Judson managed some completions, they were unable to convert these into scoring opportunities. The first half concluded with the Tigers leading 29-0.
Olivet Nazarene began the third quarter by capitalizing on a series of penalties and strong offensive plays. Kaleb Garner‘s 21-yard rush set the tone, followed by his 22-yard pass to Landin Benson, placing the team within striking distance. Garner then rushed for a 5-yard touchdown, with Johnson adding the extra point to extend the lead. Judson responded with a touchdown, but the Tigers quickly regained momentum as Wade Glover powered through with a 4-yard touchdown run, capping a successful drive with another Johnson extra point.
The quarter’s closing moments saw Olivet Nazarene’s Kevin Wilson recovering a fumble and returning it for a touchdown, further solidifying their lead. Johnson continued his reliable performance with another extra point conversion. The defense then maintained pressure, limiting Judson’s progress and forcing a punt. As the quarter concluded, Olivet Nazarene held a commanding 50-7 lead.
The Tigers opened the fourth quarter with a field goal, as Johnson successfully converted a 35-yard attempt at 12:22, extending their lead. The drive included key rushing contributions from Stephen Garth and Garner, although it stalled short of the end zone. The defense maintained pressure, allowing no significant gains and forcing Judson to punt.
Keon Gilbert spearheaded the next drive with runs of 9 and 19 yards. However, the drive was halted, resulting in a punt after penalties offset any further progress. Judson attempted to respond, but their drive stalled, highlighted by defensive stops from Sam Petersen and a crucial quarterback hurry by Wilson.
With 2:38 remaining in the game, inclement weather approached Ward Field and the two head coaches agreed to make the score final as both teams and spectators cleared the facility.
Dhue-Reid completed 11 of 17 passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns, leading the passing attack. Lamb contributed with six receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Kahana-Travis rushed for 96 yards on 10 carries, providing a strong presence in the backfield. Defensively, Viloria recorded an interception and totaled five tackles, enhancing the team’s defensive efforts.
Olivet Nazarene improved to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play. The Eagles fell to 0-7 on the season and 0-1 in conference matchups.
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— Republished 10/20/2025 —
*Contact: Annabel Murley, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, almurley@olivet.edu
