JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - In a game of peaks and valleys, Ripon lost at Illinois College on Saturday by a score of 28-25. The Red Hawks got out to a 12-0 lead in the second quarter, but couldn't hold on, despite out-gaining Illinois College in total offense 318-238.

Ripon's defense got the team on the board first, as they tackled Illinois College in the end zone for a safety to break a scoreless tie just five and a half minutes into the contest. The Red Hawks (1-2) extended their lead later in the quarter on a one-yard touchdown plunge by Austin Bunders.

Kyle Jobke put Ripon up 12-0 with a career-high 46-yard field goal in the opening minute of the second quarter. Illinois College (1-2) finally got on the board on the ensuing possession when Drew Chance hooked up with Bryce McKinney for a 20-yard touchdown pass. The Blueboys took their first lead of the day with five and a half minutes left in the half on a one-yard TD run by Trevor Smalls. Ripon would then grab the lead back on the final play of the half - a 36-yard field goal by Jobke.

Both defenses stepped up in the third quarter, which did not consist of an offensive touchdown. However, it was Illinois College's defense that put up points, returning a Ripon fumble 30 yards for a touchdown mid-way through the quarter for a 21-15 lead. Jobke cut that lead in half in the final minute of the quarter, connecting on a 30-yard field goal, which ties a school record for most field goals made in a single game (3).

Illinois College was able to get some breathing room in the fourth quarter, as Smalls scored his second rushing touchdown of the day with nine minutes remaining. After a late Bennett Groves interception set up the Red Hawks with a short field, Cormac Madigan punched it in for a one-yard touchdown to cut the Illinois College lead to three with just under two minutes to play. The ensuing onsides kick was not recovered however, and the Blueboys were able to run out the clock.

Ripon gained 198 rushing yards and 120 yards through the air, but also lost three fumbles, which resulted in 15 Illinois College points. The Red Hawks were led by Madigan, who gained 114 yards on 23 carries (5.0 ypc), while also completing 8-of-20 passes for 120 yards. Tyler VanDeVelde added 45 yards on 11 carries (4.1 ypc), while Bunders finished with 26 yards. Seven different Red Hawks caught at least one pass, led by Masyn Ulrich's two receptions for 39 yards.

Ripon's defense was led by Reece Schreckengust's 11 tackles, which included three for a loss and 0.5 sacks. Groves and Cameron Gruenwald each recorded an interception, while Aryz Terlaje and Caleb Cihlar had one and 0.5 sacks, respectively.

Illinois College was led by Smalls' 73 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries (4.5 ypc). Drew Chance added 52 rushing yards on 12 carries (4.3 ypc), while also completing eight passes for 98 yards.

The Red Hawks will return home next weekend when they'll host Monmouth College at Ingalls Field. That game will begin at 1 p.m. and can be seen live at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/ripon/.