Connor Van Hulzen – Staff Writer

The Dordt University Defenders faced off against the Doane University Tigers on Saturday, October 17th, improving to a 4-1 record on the season thanks to a big day from the offense and quarterback Noah Clayberg. 

On a stereotypically windy and chilly Northwest Iowa fall afternoon, the Defenders relied upon Clayberg’s legs for three rushing touchdowns and 62 yards, and on his arm for over 200 yards and another touchdown. Senior wide receiver Levi Jungling hauled in eight passes for 137 yards and a touchdown, and sophomore running back Carter Schiebout tacked on another 103 rushing yards in what would be a very successful day on offense for the Defenders. 

Doane lead early in the first quarter by making a quick score after a costly turnover by the Defenders. However, Dordt’s offense made a quick recovery and soon regained the lead—which they would not surrender for the rest of the night. 

After scoring at least 40 points in every game besides their season opener, the Defenders continued this trend against Doane, managing to convert 33 first downs and gain a total of 528 yards on offense on their way to a 44-19 win over the Tigers. 

“We’ve been able to put up points because our offense has been working together so well.” Devin Eekhoff, running back and tight ends coach, said,  “Across the board—from quarterback, to offensive line, wide receivers, running backs, tight ends—the team has come together and has bought into our system and has been executing extremely well.” 

The Dordt defense performed as stout as ever, giving up only three touchdowns in the game, scoring two with the game already out of reach. Excluding the game against Northwestern where the defense surrendered 48 points, Doane’s 19 points are the most Dordt has surrendered all season. 

The Defenders will need to keep the offense moving, as they will be facing off against the 4-1 Concordia University Bulldogs on October 24th in Nebraska—a team whose defense is yet to give up more than 34 points in the season. A stout Bulldog defense will be challenging, but Dordt believes they will still be able to maintain their recent streak of successes.  

“Clayberg has been making good decisions, our running backs have been finding seams, our offensive line has been great for us” Eekhoff said, “we are really happy with where we’re at but we’re also looking forward to keeping our momentum going on offense.”  

After starting 4-0, the Bulldogs are coming off of a 31-17 loss at the hands of Northwestern. 

Dordt hopes to turn the tide of history against Concordia, as the Defenders have a 3-9 all-time record against the Bulldogs. 

The Defenders’ next game will take place on Saturday the 24th at 1:00pm at Bulldog Stadium in Seward, Nebraska.