Wartburg College Athletics

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The No. 12/18-ranked Wartburg College football team opened American Rivers Conference play dominating in all three phases Saturday afternoon, forcing a program-record seven interceptions in a 69-26 victory over Nebraska Wesleyan University at Abel Stadium.

The Knights (2-2 overall, 1-0 A-R-C) scored 49 unanswered points across seven consecutive scoring drives spanning the final seconds of the first quarter through the third quarter to pull away from the Prairie Wolves (0-4, 0-1 A-R-C). Wartburg's offense totaled six rushing touchdowns and four passing touchdowns, while the defense added seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries (10 total turnovers).

Dawson Rud powered the Knights' ground attack with a career-high five rushing touchdowns on 14 carries for 129 yards. He also added two receptions for 25 yards. Rud's five rushing scores were all scored in the first half.

After Conner McDonald opened the game with a sack to help stall Nebraska Wesleyan's first possession, the Knights drove 77 yards on seven plays, with Rud finding his first score of the game from 17 yards out at the 10:52 mark of the first quarter. Jackson Othmer's extra point gave Wartburg an early 7-0 advantage.

Nebraska Wesleyan answered following a Wartburg turnover, tying the game at 7-7 on a 16-yard touchdown pass. The Knights quickly regained the lead, however, as Rud broke free for a 41-yard touchdown run to give Wartburg a 14-7 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.

The Knights' defense and special teams continued to create opportunities in the second quarter. Rayce Heitman blocked a Nebraska Wesleyan punt, setting up Marcus Beatty's 11-yard rushing touchdown. The score marked Beatty's first rushing touchdown of his career and extended the Wartburg lead to 21-7.

Nebraska Wesleyan moved into Wartburg territory on its ensuing possession, but Van Pelt ended the threat with his first-career interception, nearly housing it. Van Pelt finished the afternoon with four tackles to go along with the takeaway.

Rud added two more rushing touchdowns before halftime, scoring from 10 yards and 20 yards, respectively, as the Knights erupted for 35 points in the second quarter. Wartburg carried a 49-7 lead into halftime.

The Knights continued to capitalize on turnovers and short fields in the second half. Grant Hocker took over at quarterback and completed 7 of 9 passes for 74 yards and two touchdowns while adding 33 rushing yards on three carries, after Josh Papesh sparked the first half going 12-of-21 for 137 yards and a touchdown. Hocker connected with Titan Schmitt for a seven-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, with Schmitt's score marking his first-career receiving touchdown.

Nebraska Wesleyan responded with two touchdowns, but Wartburg answered again as Hocker found Schmitt again for an 11-yard touchdown to cap a five-play drive. Schmitt finished with three receptions for 25 yards and two touchdowns, while Hocker recorded two passing touchdowns in a game for the first time this season.

The Knights entered the fourth quarter with a 62-20 advantage before the defense continued its takeaway-heavy performance. Cam Stephens and Noah Theis each intercepted passes in the final period, with Theis recording his first interception of the season. Hunter Wik also added an interception, setting up another Wartburg scoring opportunity. All three recorded their first-career picks.

Braden Holthaus finished the scoring for the Knights with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Quintin Loeb. Sam Adams' extra point pushed the Wartburg advantage to 69-20, while Othmer finished the afternoon with a career-high eight successful extra points.

Nebraska Wesleyan added a late touchdown, but the Knights closed out the 69-26 victory to open A-R-C play with a win.
Wartburg's seven interceptions marked a program record, while the Knights' six rushing touchdowns were also a season high, and most since the 2024 season at Loras. Sam Watts added his first sack of the season as Wartburg's defense held the Prairie Wolves to just seven yards on the ground.
 
UP NEXT
The Knights return home Saturday, Oct. 10, hosting Buena Vista University for a homecoming A-R-C matchup at Walston-Hoover Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. in Waverly.