Game Leaders
Team Stats
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Turnovers
Time of Poss.
DUBUQUE, Iowa - It was the tale of two halves for the University of Dubuque football team in their home opener in front of a large crowd on Chalmers Field. UD rushed out to an early first quarter lead 28-0, but would be held to just two points the final three quarters of action. The visiting Marietta College Pioneers were held to three points in the opening half, but responded with 22 points in the final two quarters to make it a game. The Spartans defensive unit would step up when needed to shut out some second half scoring opportunities by the Pioneers to secure the Spartans 30-25 victory.
A typical first game miscues saw 16 penalties called in the game. The Spartans had a long run called back, taking away a 76 yard rushing touchdown. Quarterback Jacob Keller was 8-12 for 146 yards and a pair of touchdowns before exiting the game. Brandon Coppola was 6-9 for 49 yards in relief. The two quarterbacks found Elliott Pipkin seven times for 67 yards. DaMon Street scampered 80 yards for the longest score of the afternoon. Tiger Geeslin led the ground attack with 13 rushes for 63 yards and a score was trailed closely by Kallion Buckner who rushed 14 times for 60 yards and a score. The Spartans ended the opener with 317 yards of total offense.
Marietta hampered by UD's defense was just 4-8 in red zone chances.Colton Pederson led the defense with 10 tackles including one for a loss of 21 yards.He also tallied a forced fumble and three pass breakups. Jordan Boatright, Dalton Wood, and Tyler Geiman combined for 18 tackles. Geiman picked up a multi interception day with two from the Pioneers quarterback Connor Viestra.UD finished the day with eight tackles for losses of 73 yards.
The schedule doesn't get any easier for the Spartans. The next two games are on the road at UW-La Crosse on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. and at Luther College on Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. UD will not play on Sept. 25 as that is their off-week.The Spartans return home on Oct. 2 when they will host the Buena Vista University Beavers at 1 p.m.