GREENVILLE, Ill. - The football team lost a 24-7 decision to Northwestern-St. Paul on Saturday in their opening UMAC game of the season.

The Panthers never led in the game, but their defense managed to keep the contest a 10 point game until late in the fourth quarter.

Northwestern took the initial lead with a touchdown run with 6:37 remaining in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, UNW received a touchdown with 13:16 to go and added a field goal with 8:20 remaining in the half for a 17-0 advantage.

Greenville put points on the scoreboard with a two yard rushing touchdown from Eric Krahn with 3:45 left in the second quarter and trailed 17-7 at the half.

The Panther defense held Northwestern at bay until the Eagles added a final touchdown with 4:34 remaining in the final quarter.

Greenville's offense couldn't manage to get on track as they mustered 152 yards.  The Panthers got 103 rushing yards as Quincy Culpepper led with eight carries and 38 yards.  Quarterback George Harris completed 5-of-33 passes for 49 yards.

The defense was led by Gavin Jordan's eight tackles, including a quarterback sack and forced fumble.

A host of four Panthers had six tackles, including Mark Barigye who had two sacks among his six stops.  Overall, Greenville pulled down the Eagles nine times behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of 44 yards.

The Panthers (0-3, 0-1 UMAC) host Martin Luther on Sept. 22 in Greenville at Francis Field beginning at Noon.