Scots Travel to Cornell with Hashtag as Key to Winning Streak
Monmouth, IL (10/24/2019) — Monmouth College (3-2, 1-0) takes a three-game win streak into its 2 p.m. kickoff this Saturday at Cornell (2-4, 0-2).
The Rams will celebrate their Homecoming while Chad Braun's Fighting Scots continue to find inspiration in their 2019 hashtag #FindAWay.
"I have no doubt Cornell will be ready to play," predicted Braun, whose team has taken their mantra to heart. "Cornell's staff does a terrific job with a young team. They're learning and getting better every game. They'll be jacked up and ready to go. That makes them dangerous. We'll have to be prepared to play."
The Scots were prepared for their Homecoming game last week, pulling away from a 17-15 game with Illinois College when a blocked punt sparked a 13-point run in the final 20 minutes. That propelled the Scots to a 30-15 win, their third in as many games.
The Rams fell behind early in a 56-7 loss to a University of Chicago team that was picked in the preseason poll to challenge Monmouth for the top spot in the Midwest Conference South Division. UC put 42 points on the board before the Rams found the end zone before halftime. Cornell surrendered 577 yards to the Maroons, but the Rams put up 240 yards via the pass.
"Don't let last week fool you," warned Braun. "They've got some talented players and their quarterback (Isaak Hahn) had a long run against IC a couple of weeks ago. Their running back is very physical, probably the most physical back we've seen this year."
The back Braun is referring to is 5-foot-10, 225-pound junior Peni Waqairatu - one of two solid backs. Trevhon Porterfield - also a 5-10 junior - is five pounds heavier than his running mate and each has been difficult to stop, nearly evenly splitting a combined 129 carries for 556 yards. Hahn can also run when he's not throwing. The junior has picked up 251 yards with a team-high three touchdowns on 76 carries.
Monmouth has also spread the ball around. Sophomore back Devin Lawrence has gotten the most touches (68) and yards (389), but freshman speedster Henderson Francois leads in touchdowns (4) and is right behind Lawrence in carries (56) and yards (248). Quarterback Brennan White has found receiver and return man Nathan Graham 13 times for 117 yards, but it was Graham's return abilities on display last week when he ran five kickoffs back for 144 yards to give the Scots good field position on most of their possessions.
"Cornell's defense will fly around and hit you hard," reported Braun. "They gave up some big plays in the film we saw against IC when they stunted out of some lanes. It was unfortunate for them. They play really good defense except for a couple of big plays that really hurt."
It's the second Homecoming game and late start in as many weeks for the Scots. It's also the second time they'll enter the week after a win following a bye week. That start-and-stop game schedule could have been a problem building consistency, but Braun has confidence his team is progressing on schedule.
"I think we're on track with our season progression," assured Braun. "But we do have to work on our passing game. We had some opportunities Saturday where we didn't cash in. It's a case of continuing to improve. I liked how physical we were last week running the ball, on the line and defensively. We had very good fundamentals and did a great job tackling, and our special teams have been very good. Our hashtag this year is 'Find A Way' and that's what we're doing, we're finding a way to win. Last week special teams came up huge for us. This week, it may be some other area that provides the spark."
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