DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College football team fell to Simpson College, 38-21, Saturday afternoon at the Rock Bowl during Homecoming Weekend in American Rivers Conference action.
Simpson (3-2, 2-0 A-R-C) jumped out to an early lead, scoring the game's first 21 points before Loras (2-3, 0-2 A-R-C) found the end zone midway through the second quarter on a sack fumble forced by Mason Boothe, who recovered the ball in the endzone.
The Duhawks added another score just before halftime when senior quarterback Joey Helminiak connected with senior wide receiver Brock Couch for a 51-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 21-14 at the break.
The Storm regained control in the second half, scoring 14 unanswered points to extend their advantage to 35-14. Loras responded with a quick two play drive resulting in a 21-yard touchdown pass from Helminiak to Isaiah Washington early in the fourth quarter, but Simpson added a late field goal to seal the 38-21 victory.
Helminiak finished with 225 passing yards and two touchdowns, while running back Jeremy Pittman led the ground attack with 79 yards on 11 carries. Preston Ellis paced the receiving core with six catches for 60 yards.
Defensively, Loras forced six turnovers, including four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Senior Will Speltz and freshman Cezaire Yates each recorded two interceptions, while junior Braxten Johnson led the team with 11 tackles. Boothe added five tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery, while senior Jonah Clark finished with six tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
Up Next: Loras welcomes in Wartburg College on Saturday, Oct. 17. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
