INDIANOLA, Iowa – Simpson football lost their 11th game in their last 12 meetings with Coe on Saturday, losing 35-21 in front of a homecoming crowd at Buxton Stadium.

After coming back to knot the game up at 14-14 going into the halftime, Coe (3-3, 2-1 IIAC) ran away with the game scoring 21 third quarter points as Simpson (3-3, 0-3 IIAC) only put together one touchdown in the second half on their way to their third straight loss of the season.

Junior quarterback Josh Rekers played a strong game for the Kohawks, passing for 2 touchdowns and 273 yards on 21-31 passing. Rekers also added a 1-yard rushing touchdown of his own.

Coe’s all-purpose back, Sam Lahr got the scoring started for the Kohawks, punching in a six-yard touchdown run at the end of the first quarter. Only six minutes later, wide receiver Nick Lenstra ran in a five-yard touchdown run to put Coe on top 14-0.

Back to back rushing touchdowns from Ethan Calvert and Dylan Berkey brought the two teams into a 14-14 tie going into halftime, although this was quickly broken up as Lenstra continued his strong game, reeling in a 50 yard touchdown pass from Rekers for the 21-14 lead.

Two more Coe touchdowns came in the 3rd quarter until Dylan Berkey dialed up a 55-yard strike with Walker Holland to bring Simpson within two scores as the 3rd quarter expired. Holland made eight receptions on the afternoon for 112 yards and one touchdown as Berkey was kept in check at quarterback, only passing for 190 yards, a season low for the senior.

Neither team was able to score in the 4th quarter as Coe hung onto their two-touchdown lead to move above .500 in conference play.

Coe had 24 first downs to Simpson’s 15 while outgaining Simpson 404 yards to 333 yards.

Leading the Storm on the defensive side was Brandon Abernathy who made career-high 16 tackles while Shane Venteicher put together a 12-tackle performance.

Simpson will host Loras College next Saturday in a match-up of two teams still in-search of their first conference wins. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. this Saturday.