After an up-and-down first half, the Central College football team took control over the final 30 minutes to beat Loras 38-14 in the Rock Bowl Saturday in a game heard live on 92.1 KRLS.

The Dutch missed several chances for big plays in the first half, but still managed a 14-14 tie at intermission as Jeff Herbers and Ryan Neu hauled in scoring strikes from Hunter Hoffman. But Central struggled against a blitzing Duhawk defense and missed tackles themselves that would have cut Loras scoring drives short. Coach Jeff McMartin says that they made some much needed adjustments in the locker room.

“After the first half, it was pretty frustrating because we had chances to kind of open things up and really get off to a great start. We knew Loras was going to be a tough game and they play really hard, so it didn’t surprise me, but I also felt like we had chances to get off to a great start, and when we didn’t, that gets a little frustrating.”

That all changed in the second half. Neu hauled in another touchdown reception on the opening drive of the third quarter, then a freshman from Pella made a play that gave Central the chance to take control. Cam Schulte’s blocked punt set up a Neu rushing touchdown, and later in the third quarter Ben DeMeulenaere’s pick six put the game out of reach.

Loras did make several drives deep into Dutch territory in the four quarter, but they sacked Evan England five times in the quarter, including three by Bradley Warren as they pitched the second half shutout.

Hoffman was 20-of-36 passing for 241 yards and three touchdowns, while Neu’s big day included four catches, 73 yards from scrimmage and the hat trick.

Central improves to 5-1 on the season and 3-1 in American Rivers Conference play. They’ll have their bye week next Saturday before returning to action on October 21st at home against Nebraska Wesleyan.