ST. PAUL – The University of Northwestern defense forced five Westminster College (1-3, 1-2) turnovers and held them to just 1-for-6 in red zone opportunities to seal a 10-7 win on an unseasonably hot and muggy September afternoon at Reynolds Field. With the win, the Eagles move to 2-1 in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play and 2-2 overall.

In a clash of defenses, UNW scored its 10 points in the second quarter and survived a late Blue Jay surge in the fourth quarter after Westminster scored its lone touchdown with 2:06 to play.

Evan Pruitt (Temecula, Calif./Rancho Christian High School) was the recipient of a 23-yard toss from Taylor Lindahl (Watertown, S.D./Watertown) in the back of the end zone to give UNW its touchdown. The hookup capped off an impressive eight-play, 85 yard drive that spanned 3:59.

Just three minutes later, Ben Lyons (North Olmstead, Ohio/Ohio Distance & Electronic Learning Academy) split the uprights with what would prove to be the game-winning score, as the senior connected from 27 yards out as time expired in the first half.

On the ensuing kickoff, senior Beau Walter (Conway, Ark./Conway) showed off his hands, going up in the air and grabbing the Blue Jays onside kick attempt.

The Blue Jays were their own worst enemies, as they coughed it up three times via fumbles inside the Northwestern five-yard line. The Eagle defense also forced a turnover on downs and blocked a field goal inside the red zone.

Lindahl finished 12-of-21 for 99 yards and a score through the air, while Tyson Green (Santa Clarita, Calif./Golden Valley) hauled in three receptions for 27 yards. Payton Bowdry (Minneapolis, Minn./South) made his 2017 debut and finished with 49 yards on eight carries, including a 33-yard blast where the sophomore showed his strength and agility. Dom McDew (Apple Valley, Minn./Apple Valley) also carried eight times for 30 yards.

Freshman Noah MacDonald (Fennville, Mich./Fennville) had himself a game at linebacker, leading all players with 11 tackles, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery. Ben Maki (Elk River, Minn./Spectrum) and Daniel Fenske (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North) came up with huge interceptions and Nick Swore (Grand Rapids, Mich./Northpointe Christian) blocked Westminster's field goal attempt.

Westminster held a 247-201 advantage in total yards after both teams had nearly identical time of possession numbers – Westminster (30:36) and Northwestern (29:24).

The Eagles will remain home for Homecoming, as they will welcome the College of St. Scholastica for a 1 p.m. showdown next Saturday. Fans can find more information on the football program at www.unweagles.com or by following @unwfb on Twitter.