UNK found the plays when they needed them in the fourth quarter at Yager Stadium in Topeka, spoiling Washburn’s family day Saturday, 31-24. The Lopers are now 4-1 on the season (2-1 MIAA), while Washburn fell to 1-4 (0-3 MIAA).
UNK’s drive started initially started with a three and out, but a muffed punt from the Ichabods recovered by Parker Wise would extend the Loper drive. Daron Bryden would score first with a 19 yard rush off the left. Washburn would respond with a quick touchdown pass from Justin Lewis to Chase Allen-Jackman from eight yards out.
Every time that UNK had a score, Washburn had a quick response. After a Jahmez Ross wheel route catch for 49 yards, Bryden punched it in from 3 yards out to put UNK temporarily ahead.
Lewis would take the long pass out to Allen-Jackman to tie it at 14 for the Ichabods. Washburn had an opportunity to run a two minute drill, but Ife Current would end that with an interception in the final minute of the half.
The second half started with a flurry of turnovers. Washburn would return the second half opening kickoff all the way to the 23, only for the Lopers to force a fumble. Two plays later, a long rush from Isaiah Harris would pop out, to be recovered by Washburn’s Josh Grant. Current would take the ball back for the Lopers two plays later, stepping in front of a pass intended for Cam Robinson. Kearney would march down the field to convert a 47 yard field goal from Kyle Failing.
Washburn would again in quick order respond to tie the game at 17, with the ensuing possession under new quarterback Keller Hurla stalling at the UNK 23 with a Dylan Jordan sack. Aidan Battle would nail a 50 yard field goal midway through the third.
Kearney was forced to punt on their next possession, and Washburn would take the lead with a Hurla pass from five yards out to a wide open Aden Canty in the final minute of the third quarter.
UNK was able to get the win on two quick drives in the fourth quarter. Bryden would connect on the long ball to Jaden Jude for a touchdown from 62 yards out to tie the game at 24, and after Washburn’s ensuing drive stalled at midfield, the Lopers would make quick work to take the lead with Jett Turner’s second rush of the season ending with a 3 yard run to put UNK on top. Washburn would turn the ball over on downs with three minutes to go, and UNK would get a crucial fourth down conversion at the two minute timeout to run out the clock.
Overall, UNK had 253 rushing yards and 203 receiving yards to Washburn’s 173 rushing yards and 144 receiving. Neither team had a great day converting on third down (UNK was 4-14 and Washburn 6-13), but when it mattered on fourth down, UNK converted on both their attempts, while Washburn did not get their lone conversion.
Bryden ended the game on 9-17 passing for 203 yards and the lone touchdown pass to Jude. Zane Schawang was his favorite target with 4 receptions and 69 yards. Harris had 92 yards rushing before exiting in the third quarter with injury. Jahmez Ross would close out the game with 92 yards. Kolton Tilford led the Loper defense with 9 tackles. Washburn’s two quarterbacks (Lewis and Hurla) ended with 15-27 passing for 144 yards. Chase Allen-Jackman had one other catch outside of his two touchdowns, ending with 58 yards. Cam Robinson led the way on the ground with 71 yards, while Ky Thomas had 56 yards rushing. J. C. Heim had 9 tackles to the the ‘Bods on defense.
UNK is still in the Sunflower State next week, traveling to Pitt State. Washburn is off next week, and they travel to Pitt the week after (October 11.)
