Loras News
Tue, Nov. 13, 2012 - [Football]

By Jim Naprstek, Assistant Sports Information Director

 

Wartburg, 55
Loras, 7

 

The Loras College Football team traveled to Waverly, Iowa to wrap up their 2012 season against the Wartburg Knights. The Duhawks, coming off a tough 45-0 defeat to their crosstown rival, looked to bounce back and end their season, and the careers of their seniors, on a high note.

  

However, when freshman Nate Carrier didn't dress for the game due to an illness, Loras knew they'd be without one of their top offensive threats and would be looking for someone else to step up. Carrier, who finishes 2012 with 1,210 yards on 226 carries and 5 touchdowns, adjusted quickly to the Loras offense in August, and was a driving force behind the rushing game, who averaged 149.1 yards per game.

 

Wartburg was able to jump out to an early lead, scoring three touchdowns and adding a field goal in the first quarter. That deficit would prove to be insurmountable, as the Knights added 14 points in the second quarter, six points in the third quarter, and 13 points in the fourth quarter. Loras' offense was unable to put together a scoring drive. Their best offensive series of the day came in the third quarter. The Duhawks mounted a nine play, 34 yard drive before turning the ball over on downs.

 

Loras' points came in the fourth quarter following a 2nd and 20 play, Knights quarterback JJ Hanus fumbled at his own goal line, allowing Ryan Steckel to pounce on the loose ball in the endzone for six points.

 

When the clock struck zero, not only did the 2012 season come to a close for the Duhawks, but also ended the careers of 17 seniors. Most notable among that group will be the five offensive lineman Loras had at the top of the depth chart to start this season, Sam Ross, Andrew McFadden, Alex Lehmann, Michael Donnelly, and Nick Holeton.