By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – Norm Eash had never lost to North Park in his 29 seasons as Illinois Wesleyan football coach before suffering a 27-24 setback in the 2015 season finale in Chicago.
“I’ve been waiting for this day since last year, Nov. 14,” Eash said. “We went up there and kind of embarrassed ourselves and embarrassed our football program. That’s not to say North Park didn’t deserve the win. They played great that day.”
After a 29-game winning streak against the Vikings was snapped, the Titans want to avoid another streak as the Titans (1-1) visit North Park (1-2) at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.
The Titans are also looking to bounce back from a 34-7 loss to North Central in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opener last week.
Senior defensive lineman John Shipman, who Eash calls the glue of the defense, said it’s time to move on from that loss.
“At first it was sitting hard with us, it really didn’t feel real to me at first,” Shipman said. “But then after watching the (game) film, we give ourselves a 24-hour rule if you win or lose, move on to the next opponent and by Monday I was ready to move on to North Park.”
Senior receiver Adam Muellers, who leads IWU with seven receptions and 79 receiving yards, said the Titans can’t afford to start 0-2 in the CCIW.
“This year, it’s a lot different. We are focused this week in practice,” Muellers said. “It’s a must-win for us.”
Eash said he’s not sure who will start at quarterback. Sophomore Jack Donegan started the first two games and alternated with freshman Brandon Bauer in the second game. The two combined for six interceptions in the loss to NCC.
Jack Warner remains sidelined as he recovers from summer knee surgery.
The Vikings dropped their opener to Elmhurst, 42-10, last week.
The game will be on WJBC.com at 12:45 p.m.
