MORRIS, Minn. – Minnesota Morris (4-5, 4-4 UMAC) could not find much offense on Saturday and it resulted in a tough 10-7 loss to Eureka (5-4, 4-4 UMAC). Morris committed seven turnovers in the contest. The Morris defense was up to the task, holding the Red Devils to just 254 yards of offense and did not give up a touchdown.
 
It was a slow start for both teams offensively, the two teams combined for -13 yards of offense through the first four possessions of the game. Morris was forced to punt on their second drive, doing so from their own end-zone. Eureka's Chris Friend broke through the line and picked the ball off the foot of John Hoff, giving the Red Devils a 7-0 lead. Late in the first quarter Eureka drove to the Morris 18 yard line but their drive stalled out.

The offense woes for both teams continued in the second quarter. Eureka's Tyler Winders lined up a 39 field goal attempt with 4:50 left in the half. Senior Shain Powers came off the end and blocked the kick. Chandler Erickson picked up the loose ball and outran the defense, going 71 yards for the touchdown, tying the game at seven.
 
Eureka had a chance to go up as the second half was coming to an end. They had the ball on the 16 yard line with less than 20 seconds to play. That is when senior Jake Wirz stepped up and intercepted the ball at the goal line.
 
The two teams combined for 168 yards of offense in the first half. JC Cummings had 26 yards on the ground for UMM. LeAnthony Reasnover had 40 yards rushing for the Red Devils. Both teams had issues with penalties, combining for 95 yards lost.
 
Both teams were forced to punt on their opening drives of the second half as the defensive battle resumed. The Cougars defense stood firm after a muffed punt but could keep the Red Devils off the board after an interception on the next UMM drive. Eureka took over at the Morris 28 and drove down to the 10 yard line. Placekicker Tyler Winders converted a 27 yard field goal to put Eureka up 10-7 midway through the third.
 
Eureka had a chance to extend their lead late in fourth quarter but a nine play, 76 yard drive stalled out at the Cougars 23. The Red Devils attempted to go for it on fourth to ice the game; however, Colin Everson and Wirz gave Morris life by making a nice tackle in the backfield.
 
Unfortunately Devan Griffin was picked off two plays later giving the ball back to Eureka. Morris would get one final shot, taking over at the EC 49 with one second to go. Griffin's heave toward the end-zone was picked off to seal the Cougars fate.
 
Three Cougars finished the game with at least ten tackles, led by Wirz' 13. He also had one tackle-for-loss, an interception and two pass breakups. Clayton Douvier had 12 tackles and Segio Natividad added ten. Morris broke up nine passes defensively.

Cummings finished the afternoon with 35 yards rushing on nine carries. Evan Guffey had five catches for 22 yards and ten yard rush.
 
Donnie Mavencamp punted seven times with an average of 44.9 yards per punt. He had three inside the 20 and a long of 68 yards.
 
Next Saturday Morris will head to Fulton, Missouri to battle Westminster in the final game of 2015. Kickoff is at noon.