PELLA — A defensive slugfest for the first half Central College's homecoming football turned into a disappointing 35-13 loss with a big second half from the University of Dubuque's passing attack.
At halftime, the Spartans (2-2, 1-0 American Rivers Conference) held a precarious 7-3 lead over the Dutch (2-2, 0-1 conference). Central had outgained Dubuque on offense 143 yards to 106 yards.
After completing 9 of 10 passes for 67 yards in the first two quarters, Dubuque added three touchdown passes in the third and finished the game with 253 yards through the air.
Turnovers also worked against the Dutch who threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the third quarter to set up a Spartan score.
"We certainly learned some hard lessons," coach
Jeff McMartin said. "You can't turn the ball over and give up big plays and expect to win football games. That's just kind of the law of football."
The Dutch defense did finish the game with four sacks and a
Peyton Ritzert (senior, safety, Pella, Pella Christian HS) interception.
Peyton Ritzert and younger brother
Brecken Ritzert (freshman, linebacker, Pella, Pella Christian HS) led the team with nine tackles each
Logan Lursen (senior, Mason City, Newman Catholic HS) had 1.5 sacks.
"We had good pressure on the quarterback through the whole first half and even early in on the third quarter," McMartin said. "We put our defense out there for a long time. You want to be on offense and control the clock."
Tight end
Elam Praises (Elizabeth, Colo., Mountain Vista HS) was a bright spot for the Dutch offense, recording a career-best five catches for 82 yards.
"Elam's got great hands and he knows how to get himself open," McMartin said. "Our team has a lot of confidence in him. We've got to continue to play to our strengths and keeping growing our offense."
Central had 122 yards of rushing, led by 76 from running back
Jase Grunder (senior, Tampico, Ill., Prophetstown HS). Grunder had an 11-yard touchdown run in the fourth.
"We're going to need to be effective running," McMartin said. "It's where some of our most experienced players are at. We were in a good position to run the ball and continue to play the game we wanted until the fumble. After that, things started to get a little more away from us."
Kicker
Andrew Mohan (junior, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS added two field goals to the Central score from 21 and 29 yards.
Central travels to Coe College for a 1 p.m. game Saturday in Cedar Rapids.
"We're going to keep working hard," McMartin said. "We'll keep striving for excellence and improve every day. It's going to pay dividends."
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