In what has become an unnervingly common trend for the Central College football team, the Dutch again found themselves in a come-from-behind situation as they rallied to defeat Wisconsin-Oshkosh 34-28 in yesterday’s season-opener in Pella.  Central trailed the Titans 14-13 at the half, but scored first in the 3rd quarter and never trailed again; though Oshkosh stayed within striking distance until late in the 4th quarter.

The game-clinching play in the final quarter came when the Central defense stopped a last-chance, 4th and 8 play for the Titans, courtesy of a huge sack from defensive lineman Aaron Steenhoek of Pella.  Linebacker Keith Rush led the Dutch defense with nine tackles.

Central’s offense had a big day as well, led by quarterback Nate Snead’s four touchdowns.  Snead went 15-for-22 through the air for 257 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 76 yards and two more scores on the ground.  Of Snead’s two TD passes, one landed in the hands of tight end Jordan Leuschen, who finished with a career-best 103 yards receiving on 3 catches.

In all, the Dutch tallied 442 yards of total offense, compared to 295 for Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  Central’s next game is against Augustana in Rock Island, Illinois, on September 11th.