Hampshire notches win at Urbana

URBANA - Hampshire overcame an injury to starting quarterback Nick Mohlman and a late Urbana rally for a 22-20 nonconference road victory Friday night.

"Mohlman is one of our key leaders," Hampshire coach Mike Brasile said. "When (Molhman) went down, our team seemed to deflate a bit. But that's the thing about our guys. They're resilient and they bounced back and played for each other."

The Whip-Purs took a 13-0 second quarter lead after Mason Fleury scored his second rushing touchdown of the night.

Urbana responded with a touchdown, an 18-yard strike from Alex Beckman to Malik Harris.

On the next Hampshire drive, Mohlman was hit low on an errant third down attempt. He did not return.

Urbana took advantage scoring another touchdown right before the half for a 14-13 advantage.

"They found out what we were doing defensively and we had to make adjustments at halftime," Brasile said.

The adjustment was Devontae Johnson. Johnson had 136 of his game-high 236 yards in the second half.

"He runs hard," Brasile said. " He's got great vision. The game ball goes to him."

Johnson's efforts and the Hampshire defense changed the game. The Whip-Purs (3-2) forced a safety two minutes into the second quarter to regain a 15-14 lead.

A Xavier Bennett 23-yard touchdown run with just under five minutes to go seemingly put the game out of reach.

Urbana (1-4) drove the length of the field. Facing a 4th-and-9, Beckman completed a 34-yard touchdown pass to Jaimin Carter.

The Hampshire defense responded again stopping the 2-point conversion attempt short.

"I think it's just kids believing," Brasile said.