🏈 Dominant run game propels Chapman past Abilene for first time since 2021

By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The resurgence of Chapman football has been undeniable, and on Friday night the Irish took another big step, routing their biggest rival in a 42-7 beatdown in Abilene to roll to 3-0.

Not only was this Chapman’s first win over the Cowboys since 2021, but three straight wins represents their best start to a season since 2018, and it appears the Irish may just be getting started.

A pair of hat tricks punctuated this dominant win, as Audiel Becker and Kaicen DeWeese split six Irish scores right down the middle.

Few things could be more indicative of Chapman football than a nine-minute, 15+ play opening drive, and that’s exactly how the Irish began this game, scoring on a 20-yard Kaicen DeWeese touchdown run after eating up nearly a full quarter of clock.

Abilene’s offense took the field for the first time with just three minutes remaining in the first quarter, and quickly saw the wheels fall off as Audiel Becker intercepted an errant pass on defense, then ran in a 30-yard touchdown to put the Irish on top 14-0.

Chapman’s defense didn’t allow another first down until the final drive of the third quarter, and behind a stout offensive line both Becker and DeWeese had their way with the Abilene defense.

Becker got his hat trick first scoring the last touchdown of the first half, and the first touchdown of the second half to push the Irish lead to 28.

From there, DeWeese took over, tacking on two Irish TD’s in the fourth to put the game out of reach.

The Irish did all of this damage with just one completion through the air, rushing for over 300 yards on the night.

Becker led the way with 21 carries for 173 yards and three scores, followed closely by DeWeese, who toted the rock 12 times for 97 yards and three more.

With this win, the Irish improve to 3-0 while Abilene slides to 0-3.

Chapman stays on the road in Wellsville next week while the Cowboys travel to Rock Creek.