Memorial’s season Overall (11-2, 7-2 SIAC)
Offense:
Passing yards: 144 YPG CP% 0.64
Rushing Yards: 173 YPG 5.9 YPC
Total: 317 YPG/32.8 PPG
Defense:
Passing (allowed): 93 YPG
Rushing (allowed): 77 YPG
Total: 170 YPG/ 11.0 PPG
Regional Championship recap:
In a game of mixed emotions, Memorial prevailed over East Central, scoring 17 straight points from an first half deficit of 14-0. In the first half of the game, Memorial already saw themselves down 7-0 in the early 1 Quarter, although it was a controversial call on the "fumble". Defensively the team did excellent from allowing East Central to blow open the doors by creating a crucial forced fumble outside of the Memorial RZ and causing an interception somewhere late 2Q. However, East Central drove 80 yards down for RB Josh Ringer to score a 5 yard TD to make it 14-0 EC, after Memorial's Offense failed to score inside the EC 5. But when it came to the 2nd half, that is when the Tigers woke up and shined on the field. The first drive of the 2nd half was rough for the Tigers, but that all changed later on. Around the 2 minute mark in the 3Q, Memorial marched its way downfield, after an 64 yard catch by Leo Collins and Memorial would score on an Ellspermann 6 yard shuffle pass to Xavier Tyler to make it 14-7 EC 3Q. Following a long EC Offensive that took over around 4-5 Minutes off the clock in the 4Q, Memorial would get the ball back after an EC punt around the MEM 43. And around the 5;50 mark after a nice 28 yard catch by Ray Brodie a few plays earlier, Ellspermann threw a tight TD pass to SR Dominic Norman to tie the game, 14-14 all. The next 5 minutes of the game were tense, as both teams traded punts, EC got the ball with 3:50 left in the game and drove all the way near midfield. However, with the Tiger D forcing EC's O some costly mistakes, forcing an intentionally grounding making it an 3rd and 23. EC QB Burton looked downfield to one of his receivers, but LB Sr Will Rogers was in the way and intercepted the ball at the EC 38 with around over an minute left. From there, Memorial would march all the way down to the EC 14 line, where K Nico Brougham kicked a FG with 3 seconds left, winning the game 17-14 in a comeback. Memorial's defense was spot on for the entire game only allowing EC to score 7 offensive points and forced 5 crucial turnovers in the game. With the Farmer Boys, Rogers, Shea, Russell, and Draper leading the way. Memorial now looks forward in meeting a familiar face in the Final Four against Mount Vernon-Fortville, in the 2019 SS rematch.