By Shane Hulsey

It had been a struggle for the Quincy University football team’s offense during their four-game losing streak. Beginning with a 33-7 loss to Wayne State on Sep. 21, the Hawks averaged just 13.3 points per game and never eclipsed 20 points in any of those four games. 

That 13.3 average equates to 53 points. The Hawks almost scored that many points in one game against Southwest Baptist Oct. 19.

After throwing for 350 yards and four touchdowns and rushing for another touchdown in that game, QU senior quarterback Andrew Rund earned GLVC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

“Everything was clicking, and that just helped the team overall” Rund said. “We got in a groove, and it was great to see.”

Offensive coordinator Keith Barefield echoed his quarterback.

“For Rund to have the stats he had, it really means the whole offense was clicking,” he said. “You look at the amount of time the offensive line was giving him. The run game was going, which opened up the pass. That just tells me everything is starting to click, they’re believing in what we’re doing, going out there and having fun and executing.”

Barefield said Rund’s on-the-fly decision-making has been a key contributor to his success in recent weeks (Rund threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in an Oct. 12 loss to Indianapolis.)

“The last couple weeks we’ve really focused on getting the ball out as quickly as we can and kind of timing him in practice, seeing what kind of plays we could put around him that got the ball out quicker,” he said. “He’s really taken to it. Things are open, and he does a really good job of making decisions as quickly as he can.”

The Hawks overcame a 24-7 second quarter deficit to win 48-34 and pick up their first GLVC victory of the season.

“That’s just a testament to our team, the faith and belief we have in each other,” Rund said. “It’s definitely something special.”

Rund’s first touchdown pass was to senior Carlton Stamp. Stamp’s 39-yard touchdown catch 1:03 into the game gave Quincy a 7-0 lead. He finished with a game-high 109 yards on five catches.

In all, eleven different receivers caught a pass from Rund, and four different receivers caught a touchdown pass. Stamp said QU’s receiving depth is no secret.

“We have nine or ten guys who can go out there and make all the plays we need,” he said. “It’s just a matter of executing.”

The Hawks return home this weekend for the first time since Sep. 28. They will square off with GLVC newcomer Lindenwood at 1 p.m. Saturday at QU Stadium. 

The Lions come into this week on the heels of two four-point victories over previously ranked teams. Rund said the Hawks can’t think about who’s lining up on the other side of the ball. They just have to stick to their game.

“We just have to keep it simple. Just five-yard gains at a time, and that’ll lead to big gains. We just have to stay true to ourselves.”