Simpson holds off Luther, runs winning streak to three
DECORAH, Iowa - Eric Addy tackled Dalen Dirth two yards short of the first down marker late in the fourth quarter, thwarting Luther's comeback attempt and giving Simpson a 28-25 win on Saturday.
The Storm (4-4, 4-2 Iowa Conference) survived a slow start and three turnovers in the win, Simpson's third in a row and first at Carlson Stadium since 2003.
"When you are on the road like that you want to find a way to win and we did," head coach Jim Glogowski said. "Over the last three games we've found a way to win."
Down 10-7 at halftime, Taylor Nelson gave Simpson a 21-10 lead with a touchdown pass to Taylor Rogers and 19-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Nelson finished with 273 yards on 27 of 41 passing and three touchdowns.
"We came out ready to go but made some tough mistakes early," Glogowski said. "We caused some problems for ourselves but settled down in the second half."
Luther quarterback Chris Reynolds brought his team back in the fourth quarter. The senior ran for a 16-yard touchdown and threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Matt Jaronik, brining his team within three on two occasions.
Simpson led 28-25 with just over two minutes remaining, but a fumble - the Storm's third turnover of the game - gave Reynolds the ball back.
"We made some mistakes that hurt us," Glogowski said. "We weren't able to put the game away."
The Storm defense answered the call though, stopping Luther on 4th and 8 to bring on the offense's victory formation. David Adams and Justin Bolkema teammed up for a sack on second down, slowing Reynolds and the Norse (2-5, 2-3).
Simpson's defense allowed Luther to convert on only 8 of 20 third downs and 1 of 6 fourth downs.
"I'm really, really proud of the defense," Glogowski said. "They did a great job in the second half and did a great job closing out the game."
Braden Everding led the defensive effort with a career-high 17 tackles. Mark Cronin and Ted Haag added 13 apiece.
Michael Chia rushed for 83 yards on 17 attempts and Rogers caught a career-high 10 passes for 96 yards. Mike Kuhn and Ben Coy also caught touchdown passes.
Reynolds threw for 231 yards and a touchdown and ran for 132 and a score as Luther out-gained Simpson 453-405.
Glogowski and the Storm have next week off before closing the regular season with home games against Buena Vista and Central. The Beavers (1-6, 1-4) go to Simpson on Nov. 5 for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
"The biggest thing is to send these seniors out the right way," Glogowski said. "We want to keep getting better until the final horn blows on Nov. 12."
