ST. PAUL, MINN. – The University of Northwestern football team welcomed Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (Claremont, Calif.) to Reynolds Field for the 2019 home opener on Saturday. The Stags executed a monstrous first quarter, putting 20 points on the board and dominating the time of possession.  

Northwestern begins the year 0-2 after facing two strong non-conference teams. Claremont was the 2018 Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) co-champions and will look to defend the title following their first win this season.
 
The Stags gained momentum right away – blocking a punt and returning it 35-yards for a touchdown in just the first drive of the game. The Stags scored twice more in the quarter, first with under four minutes to play and again two minutes later on a 40-yard touchdown pass.
 
UNW shut down Claremont defensively in the second, and hoped to cut at the deficit with some offensive production. At the eight minute mark, Northwestern put together a drive that looked hopeful. Payton Bowdry (Minneapolis, Minn./South) rushed for 40 yards to the UNW 43, but the Eagles were unable to capitalize. Northwestern had another scoring opportunity with time expiring, but couldn't get a 40-yard field goal attempt to go.
 
The Eagle offense was shut down again in the third quarter, but were able to get on the board in the fourth. Damon Clapper (Dallas Center, Iowa/Dallas Center - Grimes) connected with Caleb Sieben (Anoka, Minn./Anoka) on a 24-yard reception to kickstart the drive. Clapper completed another pass to Sieben before Bowdry rushed five yards for a UNW first down. An eight-yard keeper from Clapper followed by a 15-yard pass interference penalty put the Eagles right where they wanted to be. Payton Bowdry (Minneapolis, Minn./South) finished it off, scoring his first touchdown this season on a two-yard rush.
 
Bowdry led the running efforts, picking up 106 yards on 19 attempts. Damon Clapper (Dallas Center, Iowa/Dallas Center - Grimes) added 47 yards rushing and completed 10 passes for 60 yards.
 
On the defensive end, Nick Swore (Grand Rapids, Mich./North Pointe Christian) led the Eagles with 14 tackles. Chase Marlenee (Northfield, Minn./Northfield) added eight tackles, two for loss and a sack. Yannick Kabamba (Los Angeles, Calif./Norwalk) broke up two passes and Seth Johnson (Westlake Village, Calif./Oaks Christian) was credited with three quarterback hurries.
 
KJ Downey (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) enters the UNW record books after recording the second longest punt in school history (72-yards). Downey punted the ball five times, averaging 47.2/punt.
 
Northwestern will return to their home turf on Saturday, Sept. 21 when they welcome Greenville University for the 2019 Homecoming Game and UMAC opener. Kickoff is slated for 12 PM.

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