LINCOLN, Neb. – Despite a season-high 589 yards of total offense and three rushing touchdowns from freshman Jeremy Pittman, the Loras College football team fell to Nebraska Wesleyan University, 69-48, Saturday afternoon at Abel Stadium in American Rivers Conference action.
The Duhawks (2-5, 0-4 A-R-C) jumped out to an early 17-0 advantage before the Prairie Wolves (1-6, 1-3 A-R-C) responded with 28 second-quarter points and pulled away in the second half.
Loras wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, opening the contest with a 10-play, 74-yard drive capped by a 17-yard touchdown pass from Wyatt LaGow to Brock Couch. The Duhawks added to their lead shortly after when Aiden Konig connected on a 21-yard field goal, extending the advantage to 10-0.
Later in the opening quarter, LaGow found Isaiah Washington for a 14-yard touchdown, giving Loras a 17-0 lead heading into the second period.
Nebraska Wesleyan answered with 21 unanswered points to take its first lead of the afternoon at 21-17. The Duhawks responded late in the half, as Pittman capped a five-play, 73-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run to reclaim a 24-21 advantage. However, the Prairie Wolves scored with 1:17 remaining to take a 28-24 lead into halftime.
The Prairie Wolves carried that momentum into the third quarter, scoring three consecutive touchdowns to extend their lead to 49-24. Loras continued to battle, as Jaxson VanName connected with Colton Leichty for a five-yard touchdown before Pittman added a one-yard rushing score, cutting the deficit to 49-38 heading into the fourth quarter.
Konig opened the final period's scoring with a 35-yard field goal, bringing the Duhawks within eight points at 49-41 with 9:15 remaining. Nebraska Wesleyan answered with two touchdowns to regain control of the contest. Pittman added his third rushing touchdown of the afternoon on a three-yard run with 3:42 remaining, but the Prairie Wolves closed out the 69-48 victory.
Pittman led the Loras offense with a career-high 140 rushing yards on 29 carries and three touchdowns, while adding three receptions for 36 yards. VanName completed seven passes for 143 yards and a touchdown, while Jacob Richtman added 136 passing yards. LaGow finished with 89 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Isaac Oster led the Duhawks' receiving corps with 88 yards on four catches, while Couch added 74 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. Washington contributed four catches for 50 yards and a score.
Defensively, Brandon Glover Jr. led Loras with seven tackles, followed by Jonah Clark with six tackles, including a sack. Tyree Alons recorded two sacks, while Will Speltz added a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery. Ivis McNeal also recorded an interception.
Loras finished with 221 rushing yards and 368 passing yards while converting all eight of its red-zone opportunities into points. However, five interceptions proved costly, as Nebraska Wesleyan capitalized on turnovers to secure the conference victory.
Up Next: Loras will be back in action next Saturday, when they host Central College on Halloween. Kickoff from the Rock Bowl is scheduled for 1 p.m.
