MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota, Morris (1-3, 1-2 UMAC) fell 21-13 on homecoming Saturday as a late rally fell short against Eureka College (3-1, 2-1 UMAC). Roumy Desir had two touchdown catches to spark the Cougars fourth quarter rally. The Cougar defense allowed just 10 first downs all game, as they keep Morris in the game.
 
The Cougars did not give up a first down until six minutes left in the first half but trailed by 14 because of two pick six touchdowns for the Red Devils. Eureka's Matt Stevenson intercepted a pass on the Cougars second drive of the game. Stevenson returned the touchdown 51 yards for the score. Rick Martinez picked off McLaren with just over 12 minutes left in the first half and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.
 
Through the first half the two teams were a combined 0-14 on third down conversions and had just four first downs each. Minnesota Morris finished the half with just 64 total yards.
 
Near the start of the fourth quarter Drew Duffy had a great one handed interception of McLaren and started their drive at the UMM 22. It looked like the Cougars would force a 4-8 on the UMM 20 but a late personal foul call kept the drive alive for the Red Devils and they capitalized. On second and ten from the ten yard line Eureka picked up a touchdown catch to make it 21-0.
 
It did not take long for Minnesota Morris to respond as McLaren hit Tyler Peterson for a 30 yard catch on the first play of the next drive. On the following play McLaren hit Desir for a 35 yard touchdown to put UMM on the board. After forcing a three and out McLaren found Desir on back to back plays, one for 36 yards and one for 25 yards cutting the lead to eight. The extra point was blocked as Eureka held on to a 21-13 lead.
 
Morris again forced a three and out and drove the ball down to the Eureka 16 yard line. Unfortunately four straight incomplete passes followed and the Cougars came up short. The Red Devils would pick up two first downs on the next drive and run out the clock.
 
Desir finished the fourth quarter with four catches for 117 yards, he had 6 catches for 135 yards on the day. McLaren finished the day with 297 yards through the air and two touchdowns.
 
The defense held Eureka to 264 total yards and just 10 first downs. They held the Red Devils on every third down conversion as Eureka finished the day 0-14 on third down conversions. Cody Hickman led the team with ten tackles. Eureka had nine total sacks on the day and held UMM to just 31 rushing yards on the day.
 
Minnesota Morris will be back at home next weekend as they welcome Northwestern to Big Cat Stadium.