Glen Ellyn, IL –DuPage (IL) outlasted Itasca (MN) 14-0 to win the 2019 Red Grange Bowl. Behind a strong defensive effort, the Chaparrals earned the program's third consecutive bowl victory.
"I'm so proud of how we responded after some misplays and fumbles,'' DuPage head coach Matt Foster said. "We found a way to win and pull through. That's been our season; finding ways to overcome tough spots and pulling through together. Our effort was there all day long.''
The Chaparrals used a 45-yard burst from Benjamin Little midway through the second quarter to open up the scoring. DuPage's defense held strong and the Chaparrals were able to add an insurance score with 8:14 to play in the fourth quarter after Lavale Hill broke free for a 15-yard touchdown run, capping a seven play, 60-yard drive.
The shutout is the second of the season for DuPage who finished the 2019 campaign with an 8-4 overall record.
- DuPage improves to 13-9 overall in bowl games and are now 3-0 at the Red Grange Bowl. DuPage was also victorious in 2016 and 2017. The shutout is also the sixth postseason shutout in program history for the Chaparrals.
- Christian Willis starred for DuPage on the defensive front with a pair of sacks and four TFL.
- Itasca's defense was equally as impressive on Saturday after forcing four DuPage turnovers.
- Itasca concludes the 2019 season with an 8-4 overall record after appearing in its first-ever bowl game.
