Over 1,000 yards of combined offense between the two schools, Saturday’s conference football opener between Buena Vista and Central was decided in three yards. Deciding to go for two after an overtime-answering touchdown, the Beavers ran a reversal play to convert and stun the Dutch, 39 – 38.
Central took a 31 – 28 lead with 2:46 left on Jon Alberts’ third made field goal of the afternoon. Buena Vista marched down and kicked a game-tying, 20-yard upright-splitter with 26 seconds left. Following a late pick-six scare from the B-V “D,” the teams went to the extra period.
Central scored first in seven plays, and had several opportunities on defense in the ensuing drive to stuff the Beavers, but could not come up with a key stop to grab the league victory.
The two schools were never separated by more than eight points, and both offenses were effective in different avenues. Central gained 419 yards on the ground; quarterback Kohle Helle rushed for 227 yards and a touchdown on 26 attempts and Nathan Fitzgerald gained 123 yards on 22 opportunities with two scores. The Beavers were more effective through the air, as play-caller Cole Miller went 26-for-42 passing for 358 yards and three scores.
Central drops to 1 – 2 on the year and 0 – 1 in IIAC play, while Buena Vista moves to 2 – 0 and 1 – 0, respectively. It’s homecoming next Saturday for the Dutch as they welcome Nebraska Wesleyan to Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium.