Down 24 points at halftime, Central College’s football season appeared to be sputtering to an end. Then the Dutch drew inspiration from a comeback by rival Wartburg just two weeks earlier to stage their own rally, eventually knocking off the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh 38-37 in overtime in the opening round of the NCAA playoffs as heard live on 92.1 KRLS.

Trailing 24-7 with three seconds left in the first half, Central quarterback Blaine Hawkins was strip-sacked trying to throw a hail mary, and the Titans took the loose ball into the end zone for a 31-7 halftime advantage.

Dutch Coach Jeff McMartin reminded his players in the locker room that they’d just seen Wartburg complete a 35-point comeback in this very stadium, and Central started a charge of their own.  A Jon Alberts field goal, a Hawkins run, and an an Erik Knaack catch pulled the Dutch within 31-24, and they had one last chance to pull even. That’s when Hawkins scrambled out of collapsing pocket, rolled left, and hit Knaack with a 34-yard strike in the back corner of the end zone with just :16 remaining.

Central scored first in overtime, on Knaack’s third TD catch of the day, and the Titans answered with a 14-yard yard score on fourth-and-10.  That set up one play for all the money, and Dutch safety Jordy Borman deflected Oshkosh’s two-point pass causing fans to storm the field at Ron & Joyce Schipper Stadium, celebrating Central’s first playoff victory since 2007.

Hawkins was 24-of-36 for 265 yards and four touchdowns, running back Jason Hopp had 116 yards from scrimmage, and Knaack caught six passes for 103 yards.

A Central defense that allowed 275 yards in the first half allowed just 72 yards in the second half while keeping the Titans off the scoreboard.  Brayden Egli and Tate O’Toole topped the tackle charts with 14 each.

Central improves to 10-1 on the season, and advances to the second round of the 32-team NCAA playoffs next Saturday against Wheaton College of Illinois.

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