Simpson runs past Loras

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Simpson's first conference game resulted in its first win of the season, as the Storm handled Loras 14-7 on opening weekend in the Iowa Conference. The win picked up a team that had struggled in its first two games.

"I'm so happy for the kids, they've been playing hard and its nice to see them reap the rewards today," head coach Jim Glogowski said.

Simpson took control of the game at the line of scrimmage early. Following a 36-yard kickoff return by Brad Vogel (Dennellson, Iowa), the Storm drove for an Austin Schmidt (Reinbeck, Iowa) 6-yard touchdown run to take the early lead. Simpson used its rushing attack all day to improve to 1-2 on the season (1-0 in IIAC).

The Storm gained 330 yards of total offense, 10 more than it had combined for in its first two games. Five rushers combined for 205 yards on the ground, led by Matt Claassen (Newhall, Iowa) with 71 yards on 15 carries. Michael Chia (Indianola, Iowa) added 51 yards and a touchdown.

"We want to be the kind of team that runs the ball and controls the clock," Glogowski said. "We were in a position to do that today and I thought all those guys ran the ball hard."

The defense stepped up its game as well, holding Loras to just 52 rushing yards and forcing three turnovers. The only points allowed were following a Simpson fumble on its own 23 yard line.

Colton Calvert (St. Charles, Iowa) and Justin Perry (Indianola, Iowa) each tallied two sacks. Braden Everding (Tripoli, Iowa) made nine tackles with an interception. Defensive end JJ Nair (Spencer, Iowa) made several big plays, including a sack, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

Freshman quarterback Taylor Nelson  (West Des Moines, Iowa) earned his first win in red and gold throwing for 125 yards.

Next Saturday, Sept. 25, Simpson travels to Storm Lake to take on Buena Vista at 1 p.m.