Game Leaders
Team Stats
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Turnovers
Time of Poss.
LINCOLN, Neb. (November 16, 2024) - The Nebraska Wesleyan University football team concluded its 2024 season with a hard-fought 32-0 loss to Central College on a cold, windy Saturday afternoon at Abel Stadium. The Prairie Wolves finish the year 3-7 overall and 2-6 in American Rivers Conference play.
How it Happened
Central opened the scoring with a 56-yard breakaway run by senior running back Jase Grunder, who raced untouched down the middle of the field to cap a 6-play, 75-yard opening drive. The Dutch doubled their lead early in the second quarter when quarterback Brady Ketchum connected with wide receiver Cam Schulte on a 1-yard back shoulder touchdown pass, capping a methodical 13-play, 64-yard drive.
Defensively, Nebraska Wesleyan held their own early, forcing two first-half interceptions by senior defensive back Aashton Kirkland. His 37-yard return on the second pick brought the crowd to life and positioned the Prairie Wolves deep in Central territory. Unfortunately, the offense couldn't capitalize, stalling on a key fourth down late in the first half.
Offensively, the Prairie Wolves leaned on senior wide receiver Cole Siems, who hauled in 12 receptions for 91 yards, repeatedly finding soft spots in Central's coverage. Running back Kevin Starnes was another bright spot, rushing for 56 yards on 10 carries, including a 12-yard burst that ignited NWU's longest drive of the day. However, finishing in the red zone proved challenging, as Central's defense consistently tightened when it mattered most.
In the second half, Nebraska Wesleyan's defense continued to battle, led by senior linebacker Jacob Leu's team-high 11 tackles and senior Eli Mackowski's steady presence in the tackling game. The Prairie Wolves' special teams also stepped up, with punter Jace Winkler averaging 36.5 yards on his kicks, pinning Central deep and giving the defense room to work.
Central's control continued into the fourth quarter, with Grunder scoring his second rushing touchdown on a 2-yard plunge. Backup quarterback Hunter Hoffman added a late score with a precise 2-yard strike to tight end Kade Tippet to seal the game.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Connor White (QB): 17-31, 108 yds.
Cole Siems (WR): 12 rec., 91 yds.
Kevin Starnes (RB): 10 att., 56 yds., 5.6 ypc
Jackson Byers (RB): 13 att., 47 yds.
Aashton Kirkland (DB): 2 INTs
Jacob Leu (LB): 11 total tackles
Eli Mackowski (S): 10 total tackles, 7 solo tackles.
Tony Militti (LB): 9 total tackles, 1 forced fumble.
Jace Winkler (P): 2 punts, 36.5 avg.
UP NEXT
The Prairie Wolves close the 2024 season with a 3-7 record, showing flashes of potential to build upon for the 2025 campaign. Nebraska Wesleyan will return to action next fall with hopes of taking the next step forward.