Beacons hold on for thrilling win over Indiana Wesleyan

FB: Valparaiso wins home opener behind strong performances from host of players

VALPARAISO - Ryan Hawk wasn’t going to let a missed field goal stop him from making the next one.

Nic Lendino wasn’t going to let getting ejected from the game stop him from making a crucial interception.

Jimmy Pouba wasn’t going to let some cramps stop him from making a key play.

Michael Mansaray wasn’t going to let a few bumps and bruises stop him from delivering the precious yards his team needed.

The Valparaiso football team wasn’t going to let a blown lead stop it from winning Saturday’s home opener.

Hawk drilled a 37-yard field goal to reclaim the lead with 5:24 remaining and then Pouba and the defense made several stops before Mansaray iced the game with an 11-yard run that gave the Beacons a 20-17 win over Indiana Wesleyan under the lights at Brown Field.

Hawk’s game-winning field goal was reminiscent of two years ago when Brian Bartholomew drilled a late field goal to beat IWU 20-17 as well.