Simpson succumbs to Dubuque in A-R-C opener

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Despite a defensive effort featuring three interceptions and a forced fumble, the Simpson College football team succumbed to a 28-14 defeat in its American Rivers Conference opener against Dubuque.

The Storm (1-2, 0-1 A-R-C) started strong with an early touchdown but were quickly overtaken, surrendering three receiving touchdowns and a pick-six that left them down 28-7 early in the second half. While Simpson's defense shut Dubuque (1-2, 1-0 A-R-C) out for the remainder of the game, the offense could not close the gap, only adding one more touchdown in the loss.

SCORING SUMMARY

• Simpson struck first with a 35-yard connection from J Jensen III to Noah Cracraft, putting the Storm on the board with 11:31 remaining in the first quarter.
• Dubuque quickly answered, converting a fourth-down play with a one-yard pass from tight end Jamari Jenkins to Nathan Beneke to tie the game. The Spartans then took a 14-7 lead on a five-yard receiving touchdown by Za'Cameron Brice.
• Despite turnovers forced by CJ Hangartner and Eldred Boria in the second quarter, Simpson couldn't capitalize and Dubuque extended its lead to 21-7 with Jenkins catching a touchdown late in the frame.
• A pick six by Channing Williams on the second play of the second half put the Storm down three scores as Dubuque's lead grew to 28-7.
• Simpson's defense shut out the Spartans the remainder of the game, but the Storm offense could only muster seven points via another Jensen to Cracraft connection late in the fourth quarter.

SIMPSON LEADERS

• Marcus Kolesar: 12 tackles (1 TFL), 1 sack
• Dillan Gulley: 9 tackles
• CJ Hangartner: 8 tackles (2 TFL), 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
• Zach Truitt: 8 tackles
• Payton Betts: 6 tackles, 1 interception
• J Jensen III: 12-for-20, 91 yards, 2 TD
• Noah Cracraft: 2 receptions, 40 yards, 2 TD
• Demarico Young: 26 carries, 114 yards

NOTES

• Payton Betts now has interceptions in back-to-back games. Simpson is tied with Buena Vista at the top of the conference with six interceptions.
• CJ Hangartner leads the conference with 4.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss on the year.
• Noah Cracraft and Dubuque's Za'Cameron Brice are tied at the top of the league leaderboard with five receiving touchdowns. Cracraft has scored in every game this season, posting back-to-back games with two scores.
• Marcus Kolesar registered his first career sack and led the Storm with a career-high 12 tackles.
• Dubuque now leads the series 36-35-3.

UP NEXT
Simpson hosts Loras next Saturday at 1 p.m.