BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – If Simpson’s 13-3 win over Illinois Wesleyan Titans last year was expected to be any indication for this season’s rematch, it wasn’t.

The Titans (3-0) repaid the Storm (1-1) with a 49-7 blowout at Tucci Stadium in Bloomington on Saturday, outgaining Simpson 532-200 in total yardage.

Illinois Wesleyan quarterback Jack Warner threw for more yardage in last year’s meeting between these two squads, but the difference this season is that he put the ball in the endzone.

The sophomore was 16 of 28 in the air for 256 yards to go along with a rushing touchdown to fuel an explosive Titans attack that has compiled 132 points over their first three games.

Illinois Wesleyan broke the silence of a quiet first quarter when Warner dialed up a 54-yard touchdown pass to receiver Artie Checcin, helping the Titans take a 7-0 lead.

Checcin then reeled in a 34-yard touchdown less than two minutes into the second quarter as Illinois Wesleyan used some trickery with a halfback pass from Afernee Roberts.

Illinois Wesleyan cruised into the half with a 28-0 lead and wouldn’t allow a Simpson score until sophomore quarterback Caleb Frye hit receiver Devin Norman for a 33-yard touchdown strike with 4:59 in the third quarter.

The Storm never got its offense going at full speed as it recorded more punt yardage, 245 yards, than total offense.

Frye, Bryan Boesen and Sammy Sasso split playing time at quarterback, combining to go 10 of 21 for 106 yards passing. 

Davey Jergens, IIAC offensive player and male athlete of the week ending on Sept. 6, was held to only 27 yards on seven carries as junior Jordan Beem led Simpson with 43 yards on the ground.

Justin Sheppard led the Storm defense with seven tackles and Isaac Frazier continued to be a force at defensive end, recording the team’s only sack while forcing and recovering a fumble.

Simpson will move onto another College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin school next week as it hosts Elmhurst College at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26.