Martin Luther defense suffocates Tigers

NEW ULM, Minn. - Iowa Wesleyan's offense was excommunicated by Martin Luther on Saturday in a 51-6 loss. The Knights' defense held the Tigers to just 93 yards of total offense and handed IW its sixth-straight loss to start the season.

IW finished the night with just five net rushing yards and struggled mightely on third down, going 1-19 on third down conversion attempts.

The Knights put up two scores in the first quarter, one on a two-yard rush by Nate Stein and one on a 67-yard run by Ethan Aguilar. After one period, it was 12-0.

The Tigers got on the board with a 34-yard touchdown pass from Leo Alvarez to Matthew McNaul in the second quarter, but Martin Luther answered with two rushing touchdowns by Elliot Butler, and it was 25-6 at halftime.

The Knights poured it on in the second half. Martin Luther outscored IW 56-0 in the final two quarters, scoring on two passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown and a pick-six.

Alvarez finished the day 7-26 for 87 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Jeremiah Ollison came in and threw four passes, one of which got one pick.

McNaul's 34-yard touchdown catch helped him lead the receivers. Austin McBeth had 34 yards receiving. Damian Tanelus had 18 yards receiving and Andy Wilson had 11.

Akenyon Bagley led the IW running backs with 16 yards on the day.

David Campos led the defense with 14 tackles on the day. Chris Hawthorne had seven tackles. Moses Eason and Josef McCullough both have fumble recoveries.

IW fell to 0-6 overall this season and 0-4 in conference play. They'll have a bye week next week before hosting MacMurray College on Saturday, Oct. 26.