DEERFIELD, Ill. - A fourth-quarter rally brought Trinity International to within six points on their final drive, but the Trojans ultimately fell in the season finale, 34-28 to the visiting Taylor (Ind.) Trojans, Saturday afternoon at Leslie Frazier Field.

Box Score | Season Stats

Seven seniors, along with two athletic trainers, were honored before kickoff as part of Trinity's Senior Day activities, three of those players having a big day in their final home game. Senior wideout Dillon Turk collected five receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown, while running back Chris Elliott scored his 32nd career rushing touchdown, the second-highest career total in TIU history. On the defensive end, Sione Ma'U made five tackles and recovered a key fumble inside the TIU five yard-line, stopping a potential score.

Taylor (7-3) took an early 7-0 lead on a 53-yard interception return with 9:51 to play in the first quarter. Trinity (2-9) responded before the close of the period, after Achike Morah picked off a Taylor pass in the end zone, keeping it a one-possession lead. The Trojans drove 80 yards in 11 plays, with Zach Chesser finding Turk for a 39-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 7-7.

On their first drive of the second quarter, Chesser went deep again, connecting with Brad Hargis for a 40-yard TD completion. Trinity went into the halftime break with the 14-7 advantage.

Late in the third quarter, Taylor answered with two quick scores to move back in front, 21-14, but the Trojans bounced back on their next drive, with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Cory Windle, tying the game again at 21-21.

Taylor went back in front again on their next possession, going 68 yards in nine plays that included a pair of 33-yard passes to highlight the drive. After a three-and-out for the Trojans, Taylor struck again, with a ten-play, 42-yard drive resulting in a touchdown to give the visitors a 34-21 lead. 

Elliott pulled his team back to within one score with 3:04 still to play, capping off an 89-yard drive with a TD run from 15 yards out. The Trinity defense made a stop, giving the offense one last possession with 1:11 on the clock. The Trojans advanced to their own 44 yard line, before the drive stalled with an incomplete pass on 4th and 6.

Chesser finished the day with 263 yards and three TDs, going 19-for-42 through the air. Linebacker Riley Schussler led the defense with 18 tackles, while Mauricio Portillo collected 17 stops on the day.