On a dreary Saturday afternoon, The Principia College Thunder Chickens beat the Scott Air Force Base Rowdies 21-17. Although the Rowdies struck first, in the 15th minute, the Thunder Chickens played very well defensively and stopped the Rowdies at the goal line several times. Despite the drizzling rain, both teams utilized kicking, and the Rowdies were able to keep the Chickens at bay by kicking deep to touch and winning the lineouts with great jumping and support. The half ended with the Rowdies up 0-7.
Despite a difficult kick return to start the second half, Principia finally began to pressure Scott Air Force Base. However, Principia’s first try actually came on a 100 meter play. With fourteen minutes to go, Fullback Brian Davenport intercepted a pass at his own goal line and took it the length of the field, narrowly outrunning two Rowdies. The conversion kick was good, and brought the score to 7-7. Five minutes later, Principia was awarded a penalty and kicked to touch at the Rowdies 5. After winning the lineout, center Justin Taylor exploited a hole in the Rowdies defense and ran the ball for his first try of the game. His second try came just a few minutes later, and with two conversion kicks Principia was up 21-7 with four minutes to play. The Rowdies picked up two more tries during extra time, but did not convert either kick.
Principia was joined by alumni Everett Brown and Jeff Eckert.