NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U, 44; Graceland, 14
Records: Life U, 3-2 (2-2 SUN) ; Graceland, 1-1
MARIETTA, Ga. - The Life University women's flag football team blew past the Yellowjackets of Graceland on Saturday morning behind stout defense and an electric offensive performance.
Cheyenne Brooks opened the scoring for the Running Eagles, rushing home a 10-yard touchdown to put Life U up 6-0 early. On the next drive, Brooks wasted no time, taking just one play to find the end zone. Connecting with Elora Niederpruem, the freshman took the pass to the house for a 61-yard TD. The defense forced a punt from the Yellowjackets on the ensuing drive as the offense took over for the third time. Capping off the quarter with more points, Brooks found Altierra Gooch, who lateraled to Caitlyn Gibson who continued the play for 38 yards into the back of the end zone.
Leading 19-0 heading into the second, the Life U defense finally allowed points from the visitors in the form of a touchdown with a successful conversion to cut the lead to 19-7. However, Brooks and company responded on the next offensive drive in four plays. Taking matters into her own hands, Brooks rushed home her second TD of the game, making it 25-7.
At half time, the Life U defense had allowed just seven points to the visitors and Promise Cooper recorded a pick. Brooks led the offense with two rushing TDs and two passing TDs.
In the second half, Life U continued to dominate. Brooks added strikes to Gooch and Gibson to grow the lead even more. On the defensive end, the Life U defense allowed just one more touchdown to the visitors and even put up points of its own. Returning an interception to the house, Reagan Washington added a 44-yard pick-six to her resume.
The contest closed 44-14 in favor of the Running Eagles.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Cheyenne Brooks: 20/26 completions, 342 yards, 4 TDs
--Altierra Gooch: 2 receptions, 51 yards, 2 Receiving TDs
--Elora Niederpruem: 6 receptions, 134 yards, 1 TD
--Makayla Morgan: 7 TKLs
--Reagan Washington: 3 TKLs, 1 INT, 1 Defensive TD
UP NEXT:
--The Running Eagles remain at home for a conference bout against Weber International on Saturday, March 21.
