Luther makes it three in a row over Buena vista
Oct. 24, 2009
Luther's Kyle McGivney picked off Buena Vista quarterback Brandon Phelan in the Luther end zone with three seconds left on the clock, securing a 15-9 come-from-behind victory for the Norse this afternoon, here in Carlson Stadium. The interception stopped a 13 play, 45-yard drive by the Beavers that started with 2:13 remaining in the game.
Luther scored what proved to be the game winning touchdown, a two-yard plunge by Ryan Monroe, that capped off Luther's best offensive drive of the afternoon, just prior to the Beaver's final attempt to win the game.
Following a Buena Vista kick-off out of bounds, the Norse started on their own 40-yard line with 8:30 left on the clock. The Norse proceeded to marched down the field for the game winning score, eating up nearly 6:30 on the clock.
Buena Vista place kicker Zach Kaufman had just given the Beavers a slim 9-7 lead with his third field goal of the afternoon, a 32-yarder, culminating a 10-play, 55-yard drive. At the time, the field goal was huge, because Kaufman had missed field goal opportunities of 26 and 27 yards in the third quarter.
"Anytime you walk away from the field with a win, it's a good thing," commented Head Coach Mike Durnin. "I was extremely happy with our offenses ability to come back with a time consuming, touchdown drive after we gave up the lead."
Buena Vista had a big advantage in total offense and time of possession, but Luther's defensive unit kept coming up with big plays when it needed to stop crucial drives. The Beavers tallied 359 yards of total offense to Luther's 220 and posted a time of possession to 34:24 to Luther's 25:36.
McGivney, who is leading the Iowa Conference in tackles, had another big day. He was credited with 16 tackles, had the game winning interception, and also broke up a touchdown saving pass in the first quarter.
"I was very proud of our defenses ability to come up with big plays when they had their backs against the wall a couple of times this afternoon." stated Durnin. "Kyle had another big day and just keeps getting better each week."
Jordan Grimm, who was credited with nine tackles also recorded the lone sack of the afternoon. Bobby Kuennen, Josh Patterson and Will Bothe were all credited with six tackles.
Offensively, Chris Reynolds was 15-of-22 for 132 yards and one touchdown. Trey Scheetz, who scored Luther's first touchdown of the game on a three-yard pass from Reynolds, was credited with six receptions for 49 yards. Darren Oxton had four catches for 34 yards, while Zack Topping and Chris McAllister both had two receptions.
Reynolds led the rushing attack with 53 yards on 12 carries. Tyler Bass had his best afternoon of the season, rushing for 41 yards on 10 carries.
The win was the third in a row over the Beavers and gives Luther an Iowa Conference record of 3-2, 4-3 overall. Buena Vista's record is the same.
The Norse will return home next week and will host Wartburg College (3-2, 4-3). Kick-off will take place in Carlson Stadium at 1:00 p.m. If you can't make the game in person, you can catch all the action via video stream starting with the pre-game show at 12:40 p.m.
