Storm top Prairie Wolves on Homecoming, improve to 3-0 at home

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson College football team gained an early lead and held off a late surge by Nebraska Wesleyan, securing a 21-14 Homecoming victory to maintain an undefeated 3-0 record at Buxton Stadium this season.

The Storm (3-3, 2-2 A-R-C) showcased a balanced offensive attack in the first half, building a 21-7 lead with touchdowns by Cole Staska, Jay Romelus, and Demarico Young. From there, the defense took over, highlighted by interceptions from CJ Hangartner and Zach Truitt, helping secure the win.

GAME BREAKDOWN

• Simpson opened the game with a statement drive, covering 65 yards in seven plays and capping it off with a 22-yard touchdown pass from J Jensen III to Cole Staska. The Storm held that 7-0 lead through the end of the first quarter.
• After Nebraska Wesleyan (2-3, 1-2 A-R-C) tied it early in the second quarter, Simpson quickly responded with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jay Romelus, regaining the lead.
• The Storm added to their advantage on their next possession with a one-yard rushing score by Demarico Young, extending the lead to 21-7.
• CJ Hangartner picked off Connor White shortly after to set-up a 42-yard field goal attempt that was blocked by the Prairie Wolves.
• Both teams struggled offensively in the third quarter and the score remained 21-7 in favor of the Storm going into the fourth stanza.
• Nebraska Wesleyan narrowed the gap to one score with a late 8-yard touchdown reception by Kevin Starnes, bringing the score to 21-14 with just over five minutes remaining.
• A crucial 15-yard catch by Cole Staska, combined with key rushing plays by Kalvin Brown and Young, kept the ball in the Storm's possession the rest of the way as Simpson secured the hard-fought victory.

STORM STANDOUTS

• J Jensen III: 22-for-33, 348 yards, 2 TD
• Jay Romelus: 5 rec, 134 yards, 1 TD
• Noah Cracraft: 7 rec, 125 yards
• Demarico Young: 22 carries, 93 yards, 1 TD
• CJ Hangartner: 8 tackles (1 TFL), 1 INT, 2 QBH
• Zach Truitt: 7 tackles (1 TFL), 1 INT, 1 pass breakup
• Payton Betts: 5 tackles, 1 pass breakup

NOTES

• With 348 yards, J Jensen III surpassed Mike Donnenwerth (7,370, 2000-03) for second all-time in career passing yards.
• Simpson picks up its eighth win in the series, and fourth win in the last six games with the Prairie Wolves.
• The Storm tallied their ninth and 10th interceptions of the season, cementing themselves back at the top of the American Rivers Conference.
• Simpson boasts a 3-0 record at home for the first time since 2013. 

UP NEXT
Simpson travels to Waverly next Saturday to take on No. 16 Wartburg at 1:30 p.m.