Big plays hurt Simpson against Buena Vista

STORM LAKE - Buena Vista scored touchdowns off a blocked punt and an interception and beat Simpson 33-14 at J. Leslie Rollins Stadium on Saturday.

Travis Forkner blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown in the first quarter and Alan Bladt intercepted a Taylor Nelson (West Des Moines, Iowa) pass for a touchdown to start the second half for the Beavers (2-1, 1-0 IIAC). Buena Vista scored 27 unanswered points after trailing 7-6 in the first quarter.

Four rushers combined for 141 yards and Bo Darrow passed for 213 yards and two touchdowns, as Buena Vista outgained Simpson 354-275.

The Storm (1-3, 1-1 IIAC) took a 7-6 lead when Nelson fired a 19-yard touchdown strike to Brad Vogel (Dennellson, Iowa) in the first quarter. Nelson ended the day 9-for-14 for 89 yards before giving way to Chris Garza (Waukee, Iowa) in the second half.

Garza tossed a touchdown pass to Ben Coy (Jewell, Iowa) from two yards out with 14 secons remaining in the game.

Trailing 12-7 at the end of the first half, Simpson attempted a fake field goal from 13 yards out. But holder Colton Calvert's (St. Charles, Iowa) pass attempt to Jake McCulley (New Sharon, Iowa) fell incomplete.

Defensively, Justin Perry (Indianola, Iowa) made 12 tackles for the Storm. JJ Nair (Spencer, Iowa) made seven tackles and sacked Darrow twice.

Simpson returns home next week when it hosts Luther at Buxton Stadium for homecoming. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.