Fulton, MO — The Westminster College football team battled the University of Northwestern Eagles on Saturday in a matchup of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference’s (UMAC) unbeaten teams in conference play. The Blue Jays were unable to overcome an early deficit, falling 30-14 at Blue Jay Field. Northwestern struck first in the opening quarter, putting together a scoring drive to take a 7-0 lead. The Eagles added a field goal in the second quarter before finding the end zone again late in the half, carrying a 17-0 advantage into the break. The Blue Jays continued to compete coming out of halftime and found their offensive rhythm in the third quarter. Westminster put together an 81-yard scoring drive, capped by a touchdown run from Martez Stephenson, to get on the scoreboard and cut into the deficit 17-7. Northwestern responded with a field goal after a long kickoff return but Northwestern on the Westminster 5-yard line, but Westminster answered again. The Blue Jays marched 65 yards down the field capped by a 16-yard TD run from Stephenson making the score just a one possession game trailing 20-14 with 13:27 to play in the 4th quarter. A special team's turnover and penalty in the 4th quarter helped the Eagles added a field goal and a fourth-quarter touchdown to secure the victory. Stephenson led the Blue Jays on the ground, finishing with 102 rushing yards, 37 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Thomas completed 11 passes for 145 yards with the top two pass catchers being Jeremiah Thomas and Senior Tight End Cole Harrell. Defensively, Westminster was led by Matthew Wiegand, who recorded nine total tackles. Kadyn Burleson added eight tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack, while Andrew Martin and Nehemiah Hamilton each contributed seven tackles. The loss moves Westminster to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in UMAC play. The Blue Jays return home to Blue Jay Field on Saturday, Oct. 24, to host the University of Minnesota Morris Cougars. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. as Westminster looks to respond and get back on track in UMAC play. #WORK | Westminster Football