A second-half surge by the Wartburg Knights proved too much for the Monmouth College Fighting Scots, as the hosts pulled away with a 21-7 victory last Saturday afternoon.
After a quiet first half for both offenses, Wartburg struck first in the opening quarter. Running back Dawson Rud capped off an 11-play, 71-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run at the 7:16 mark. Kicker Jaxson Hoppes added the extra point to put the Knights ahead 7-0.
The score held until early in the third quarter, when Monmouth responded with a grinding 11-play, 72-yard drive. Sophomore running back Nate Wrublik punched it in from a yard out, and Aiden Sensabaugh’s PAT tied the game at 7-7 with 9:25 remaining in the third.
But the tie was short-lived.
Just five minutes later, Monmouth’s defense gave up a short field, and Wartburg needed only one play to capitalize. Quarterback Leo Dodd found Matt Dufoe for a 4-yard touchdown pass, putting Wartburg back on top 14-7.
Then came the dagger.
With just 34 seconds left in the third quarter, Dodd connected with Jagger Schmitt on a 49-yard touchdown strike, again on a one-play drive that took just nine seconds. Hoppes remained perfect on the night, giving Wartburg a 21-7 lead.
Monmouth’s offense stalled in the fourth quarter, unable to find the explosive plays needed to mount a comeback. The Scots fall to 0-1 on the young season, while Wartburg opens their campaign 1-0.
