Duhawks, Dutch battle to 17-14 final
Jon Denham, Sports Information Director

The Loras College football team lost their first IIAC game on Saturday in the Rock Bowl after a valiant comeback and outperforming the Dutch in most statistical categories.

Loras fell behind early when an interception by Loras was quickly converted on a one play drive. The quick strike was a 21-yard touchdown pass by Central College quarterback Tim Connell to Jordan Leuschen. That was all the scoring for the first half for either team. Six of the eight Central drives in the first half ended in either a punt or a turnover on downs. The other two were the one-play scoring drive and an interception by Connell. The only other news from the first half was the depth chart scramble by the Loras offense. On separate plays running backs Alex McGrew, Olijuwon Davis, and Joel Allen were all forced out of the lineup, including their roles on special teams units.

The second half provided the most drama and scoring. Central extended their lead on the first possession of the second half with another quick strike. A two play drive exploded in the form of a 73-yard pass from Connell to Josh Smith to extend the lead to 14-0. The longest Dutch drive of the afternoon resulted in just three points with barely more than four minutes remaining in the third quarter.

After that score, the Duhawks would begin to turn their offensive production into points on the scoreboard. The ensuing drive took nine plays and resulted in a Tim Andrews (who took over the rushing duties following the injuries) touchdown on the final play of the third quarter.  The next drive ended in seven points as well. This time it was another lengthy march down the field - the longest possible - of the 99 yard variety. This one starred wide receiver Jon Gill, who caught passes of 5, 30, and 34 yards. The 30 yard catch was the touchdown Matt McLaughlin dropped into the stride of Gill on the goal line.

The final Loras drive was the final of the game. After forcing a punt with one minute remaining that landed on the Loras one yard line, McLaughlin moved the offense to midfield for a potential field goal or deep pass to the end zone. The drive stalled at the Loras 48 yard line, and the game came to an end on a final play hurl towards the end zone that the Dutch knocked down and the NCAA III Top Ten Dutch escaped the Rock Bowl with the win.