DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The 2018 campaign got off to a sour start for the Loras football program, as UW-Eau Claire handed the Duhawks a 45-13 setback in the Rock Bowl. 

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
• UW-Eau Claire took the opening kickoff and marched down to the Loras 2-yard line before Alex Wernimont stopped the Blugold quarterback on the keeper
• On 2nd and 4 from the Duhawk 6-yard line, Noah Sigwarth scrambled for an 8-yard gain … Three plays later, on 3rd and 4, Sigwarth was picked off at the 20-yard line and UW-Eau Claire took it to the house for the score
• Loras' longest drive of the day came in the third quarter, which lasted 3:59 and went to the tune of 12 plays for 54 yards … The Duhawks stalled after an offsides call pushed Loras to the 19-yard line … On 4th down, Sigwarth's pass was dropped at the goal line, turning the ball over on downs
• The Duhawks broke through and capitalized on a botched pitch attempt by UW-Eau Claire as Danny Kamm picked up the loose ball and ran it 74 yards to the end zone to put Loras on the board
• A roughing the passer penalty extended the Duhawks' drive with time dwindling down in the fourth quarter … Three plays after the penalty, Michael Stebbins found Mike McDevitt near the far sideline for the score … The touchdown pass was the first for Stebbins and the reception was the first for McDevitt

NOTABLES
• Brandon Niemeier recorded 8 solo tackles against the Blugolds
• Loras' 108 passing yards was the fewest since Nov. 16, 2013
• Elijah Thomas' scamper to the end zone for 83 yards in the third quarter was called back due to a holding penalty

FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME - MICHAEL STEBBINS
Late in the fourth quarter, Stebbins had his number called and connected on 6-of-9 pass attempts, including a 15-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT
The Duhawks' season continues next Saturday on the road at Benedictine in Lisle, Ill. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.