Duhawks fall in 07 opener at DII Upper Iowa
Jon Denham, Sports Information Director
September 1, 2007

Upper Iowa 38
Loras 11

The Loras College football team dropped the 2007 season opener at NCAA Division II Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa on Saturday afternoon. The Duhawks opened the season with returning starters on both sides of the ball, including senior QB Matt McLaughlin and OL Bob Roe, Jon Pereiro, and Tim Hernandez. Defensively, LB Brock Hall, LB Andy Zeal, and DL Justin Sparrgrove and Jon Koenig looked to stall the diverse UIU offense.

When it was all said and done, the Peacocks totaled 466 yards of total offense to Loras' 185. Speedy Peacocks RB TC Hicks led the way rushing with 139 yards on the ground, including runs of 29 and 54 yards. Alex McGrew ran for 56 yards in his first start of 2007 for the Duhawks.

At Quarterback, McLaughlin put up 119 yards in the air to five different receivers. Upper Iowa's 1-2 punch at quarterback of Kevin Linnell and Jay Lehman totaled 178 passing yards and 69 yards on the ground.

The Peacocks led at halftime 17-3 following one touchdown on the ground and one in the air. Taylor Buhmeyer converted on the first field goal of his career for the Duhawks from 22 yards out.

The second half started out positively for the Duhawks when the opening kickoff of the frame ended up in a wild scramble that resulted in a safety. The Duhawks earned their touchdown in the fourth quarter when Matt McLaughlin capped off an eight play, 59 yard drive with a three yard touchdown run. The drive included two competions to WR Jon Gill.

Defensively, the Duhawks were led by Brock Hall and Reed Peterson who each had 13 total tackles.

In the end, UIU scored a touchdown in each quarter and their athleticism prevailed 38-11.

The Duhawks will open their home portion of the schedule next weekend when they face St. Thomas University in the Rock Bowl at 1:00 PM. Last year, the Duhawks were within 12-7 in St. Paul before losing 19-7.