Simpson fires on all cylinders in win at Eureka

EUREKA, Ill. – Three weeks ago, the national spotlight shined on the Eureka football team and quarterback Sam Durley after a record-setting performance.

On Saturday, Simpson stole the show.

Brad Vogel scored three touchdowns, the offense didn't throw an incomplete pass and Simpson routed Eureka 54-0 on Saturday at McKinzie Field.

"We looked like we were ready to play, which was exciting," head coach Jim Glogowski said. "We jumped all over them early and remained focused throughout."

Vogel returned the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown – the second longest in school history – and the Storm (2-1) never looked back, building a 40-0 lead by halftime.

"He gives us an added dimension," Glogowski said of Vogel. "There were a few times today when he just ran by guys."

Quarterback Taylor Nelson went 9-for-9 for 185 yards and four touchdowns, hooking up with Vogel for scoring passes of 40 and 61 yards. He also threw touchdown passes to Taylor Rogers and Jared Bevins.

Vogel finished with five receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns.

As a team, Simpson completed all 11 passes, setting a school-record with a passing efficiency rating of 367.4.

After rushing for a total of 26 yards in the first two games, eight rushers combined for 231 yards, led by 56 yards from Ethan Calvert and 55 from Michael Chia. The rushing effort was the most by a Simpson team since 2009.

"We did a great job up front," Glogowski said. "We got off the ball, ran hard, saw the holes and got vertical. Because we got control of the game we were able to run it."

Durely – who made national headlines after setting an NCAA record with 736 passing yards against Knox on Sept. 1 – completed 15 of 32 passes for 129 yards to lead the Red Devils (2-2).

Scott Vierow led the defensive effort with seven tackles, including three tackles for loss. He also forced and recovered two fumbles. David Adams had seven tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

"From start to finish, this was the most focused we've played," Glogowski said. "We showed great balanced and got almost everyone in the game. It was a complete effort."

Simpson opens the Iowa Conference schedule next Saturday when it hosts Wartburg. The Knights (2-1) were idle on Saturday.

Notes: The 54 points scored are the most by a Simpson team since 2003 … Vogel's kickoff return for a touchdown was Simpson's first since 2008.