Washburn Runs Away From Lopers, 42-7

Kearney, Neb. – The Washburn Ichabods scored 28 second half points to pull away and defeat Nebraska Kearney, 42-7, Saturday at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium.

The Ichabods (3-1-1, 1-1) snap a five-game losing streak to the Lopers (0-4, 0-2), dating back to 2019.

"This is the first time it's kind of imploded on us in a while. I told the team – I'm not going to sugar coat it, I'm not going to picture sunshine and roses – this wasn't good," said UNK head coach Ryan Held. "I did think the defense was lights out in the first half but for them, it just becomes hard because we were so abysmal on offense."

It was a bit of a rock fight in the first half as each team had a quick touchdown with the 'Bods going 80 yards in nine plays in between. UNK moved the ball to the WU 39-yard line to start the game but was forced to punt. Instead of possibly pinning the 'Bods deep, a high snap went 49 yards the other way with an illegal kick giving the visitors 1st and Goal from the six. Two plays later, back Cam Robinson plunged in from a yard out to make it 7-0.

Right before the half, WU was up 14-0 at its own six courtesy of a 61-yard punt from junior Marty Mormino (Omaha Westside). Instead of a run, the 'Bods tried to throw a screen to the left, and that was picked off by senior end Timarcus Grayson (Ralph, Ala.) at the two. A video review confirmed he crossed the goal line before the ball came loose.

The half's other scoring drive featured two WU third down conversions and two Loper penalties, totaling 25 yards. Quarterback Logan Madden found tight end Ty Weber from nine yards out at the 2:45 mark of the second quarter.

Washburn received the ball to start the second half and quickly picked up an unsportsmanlike flag on first down. However, a nine-yard run was followed by a 24-yard completion on third down. Three more big gainers were followed, capped by a 23-yard scoring run from reserve back Quinton Renfro. While WU was turned away at the Loper 12-yard line on its next possession, Renfro galloped 63 yards to the Loper eight right after. That set up Robinson for another score and a 28-7 lead. Finally, in the fourth, Madden had completions of 36 and 22 yards to add another TD on the board and then the Lopers fumbled the ensuing kickoff. A 23-yard drive ended with another rushing score.

"Offensively, we are playing some guys that haven't played too much. Just don't have that experience. We're thin at receiver, trying to move guys around, so it became hard to execute how we needed to," said Held. "We had them third-and-long to start the half and we tripped or something on an in route. Those are plays you got to get off the field there."

The 'Bods got 100-yard rushing days from both Renfro (110) and Robinson (102) with Madden going 13 of 23 for 216 yards, two scores, that one pick and completions to eight teammates. That group was led by senior receiver Nathan Lewis Jr. (four recep., 57 yards).

A very banged up and young Loper offense was led by true freshman back Calin Arndt (Overland Park, Kan.) who had 10 carries for 51 yards (long of 18) and a team-best five catches for 37 yards. Fellow first-year position mates Derek Jones (Papillion) and Kip Brigham (Wahoo) had their first collegiate touches as well with redshirt sophomore Gunner McElory (Jacksboro, Texas) and redshirt freshman Connor Bohon (Shawnee, Kan.) rotating at quarterback. They completed 10 passes with McElroy scrambling for 31 yards on the ground.

"Obviously, we were not very good on offense, but I thought Cal did a nice job. That was the bright spot," said Held. "We couldn't get anything going but Marty was great. He's having an All-American year."

Mormino, the nation's 10th ranked punter heading into today, had 11 efforts for a 48.4-yard average with five attempts landing inside the 'Bods red zone. Defensively, senior backer Parker Wise (Kearney) was in on 13 tackles, backer Timothy Grayson Jr. (Ralph, Ala.) had six stops with corner Marquese Chapman (Houston) at three pass breakups.

"We have to figure out some things. I didn't see this one coming but when you're playing defensive football all the time, it becomes hard. They hit us on that first drive (second half) and we imploded after that," said Held. "With our slow starts, it's like here-we-go-again. It's just a natural feeling. Our guys fought, we got it to 14-7, but then wind got out of our sails there in the third quarter."

UNK hosts Pittsburg State next Saturday for "Homecoming". The Gorillas (0-4) had a bye this weekend.