Box Score BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan football team opened its 2009 season with a 28-25 win over Hope at IWU Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5.

The Titans accumulated 491 yards of total offense, led by the 177 rushing yards from Eli Williams. Williams had touchdown runs of 4 yards (5:56 in the first quarter), 7 yards (1:41 in the third quarter) and a 72-yard scamper with 12:14 to play in the game.
Williams also caught three passes for 29 yards.

IWU quarterback Kraig Ladd  completed 15 of 25 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown in the second quarter to Jack Scalcucci. Sophomore Joseph Driver was Ladd's favorite receiver, making six catches for 125 yards and Scalcucci had four grabs for 52 yards.

The Titans were led defensively by senior linebackers Nick Nikolich and Mike Kotz, who each made nine total tackles. Senior Roman Hunter mad two interceptions and had four tackles.

Hope quarterback Chris Feys completed 28 of 43 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns and connected seven times to Kyle Dietrich for 142 yards. Tim Elzinga was the leading rusher for the Flying Dutchmen, gaining 101 yards with one TD on 15 carries.

Kyle Warren and Zach Jones each had 14 stops for Hope and Chris Batterbee had 13 tackles. Any Johansen had seven tackles and an interception.

The Titans continue play in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Aasociation next weekend when they travel to meet Alma in a 12 p.m Central time kickoff.