GREENVILLE, Ill. - The football team gained a thrilling season-opening win at Francis Field on Saturday, recovering from a 20-7 second quarter deficit and eventually snagging a 37-33 triumph. With three lead changes in the final five minutes, a 19 yard touchdown pass from Chase Butterfield to Seth Logan, their fourth such connection of the day, allowed Greenville to grab the lead and hold on for the victory with 30 seconds to play.
The Big Blue unit from Decatur established the early lead, posting two touchdowns in the first quarter, one of which came on a blocked punt return.
The Panthers scored their first touchdown of the season when Adrian Hinton produced a 24 yard rushing score, capping a 14-play, 75-yard drive spanning over four and a half minutes with 50 seconds to go in the first quarter.
Millikin added a early second quarter touchdown to go on top 20-7, but the Panthers scored twice in the final three and a half minutes of the second quarter, grabbing a short lived 21-20 advantage. Logan and Butterfield combined for both of those touchdowns.
Just prior to halftime, Millikin completed four plays covering 47 yards in 22 seconds to claim a 27-20 lead.
After a scoreless third period, Logan caught a six yard pass from Butterfield to tie the game at 27-all when Greenville's extra point attempt went wide.
Greenville went six plays and 62 yards with the score tied in the fourth quarter, collecting a 27 yard field goal from Lucas Hermo to go up 30-27.
Millikin went ahead again with 2:12 to play, but the Panthers hurried and moved the ball 70 yards in eight plays, receiving the winning score after a 19-yard pass from Butterfield with 30 seconds left.
Overall, Millikin outgained GU 430-395 in total offense, but the Panthers forced one more turnover than the Big Blue.
Logan received 10 balls from Butterfield for 151 yards and four touchdowns.
Butterfield completed 19-of-34 passes for 231 yards and an interception, while Paul Garrett ran for 111 yards on 23 carries.
Lakari Benjamin led the Panther defense with 11 tackles.
The Panthers (1-0) go to Rockford for a game next Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
