Rodgers breaks career TD reception record in 28-7 win

by Olu Rotibi

When it rains, it pours and Simpson football epitomized that in Saturday afternoon’s conference matchup against Loras College, defeating them 28-7..

The Storm offense came to life in the second quarter with junior quarterback Taylor Nelson hooking up with senior wide receiver Taylor Rogers for a touchdown pass. With the reception, Rogers broke Dusty Kain’s record for career receptions (27). Rodgers used his 6”4 frame to pull down the pass over two Loras defenders in the corner of the end zone to give the Storm a 7-0 lead.

The next drive proved to be costly to the Duhawks, as the Storm defense attacked Loras quarterback Dylan Jones with a vigorous approach sacking him three times forcing a punt.

The Storm marched down the field from their own 38 with sophomore running back Tyler Kenny compiling 42 rushing yards on the drive. The Storm scored on a third-and-goal with Nelson finding Rogers for their second connection in the middle of the end zone for a touchdown, which gave the Storm a 14-0 lead.

The Storm never looked back after that. Sophomore running back Ethan Calvert ran for a six yard touchdown early in the second half to give the Storm a 21-0 lead.

Loras managed to answer back as quarterback Dylan Jones found Kyle Killian for a touchdown pass to cut the Storm lead to 21-7.

But the Storm offense was too much for the Duhawks. In the fourth quarter, Nelson found senior tight end Alex McCarty for another score as the Storm cruised to a 28-7 victory.

Nelson led the Storm attack going 21-32 through the air with three touchdowns. Nelson managed to shake off the slow start which helped his confidence throughout the ball game.

“We started off slow, but after we scored we pretty much ran with it,” Nelson said.

The Storm defense was strong yet again piling up six total sacks including two from senior defensive lineman David Adams.

Junior wide receiver Brad Vogel finished with eight receptions for 97 yards. Even though Rogers finished with only three receptions for 26 yards, his two touchdowns proved to be key as well. In addition Rodgers broke the school record for touchdown receptions with his first touchdown reception in the second quarter with 28. He finished the ball game with 29 touchdown receptions for his career.

Rodgers credits his teammates for his success.

“I’ve got great teammates and an excellent quarterback,” Rogers said.” He throws the ball up and gives me a chance to go get it every week.”

The Storm are now first place in the IIAC and improve to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the IIAC conference. Loras falls to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in the IIAC.

The Storm’s next foe is Coe, who are undefeated on the season. The Storm look to defend their home turf for homecoming next Saturday.