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DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque battled adversity on Saturday after starting quarterback and running back both left in the second half, but the Spartans rallied with a defensive effort in the final minute to score game winning touchdown on a forced fumble to the Duhawks for a 49-42 UD victory.
The game lived up to the hype with a game of high emtional swings until the final minute. UD scored first on a 23 yard touchdown from Sean Duffy to Karletty Faamatuainu to jump to an early 7-0 lead which would last through the opening quarter of action. Loras used just 3:14 to even the score at 7-7 in the second period. and would take the lead just three minutes later on a 22 yard pass to lead 14-7 over the Spartans. A.J. Hunter would tie the game on a 65 yard pass from Duffy to even the score at 14-14. As time was running out in the first half, UD would get a timeout with a second on the clock on a long pass play by Sean Fuffy to Kody Reimer to the Loras 17 yard line. UD used the final second to score on another Duffy pass this time to Emanuel Jenkins for the 17 yard TD to enter halftime leading 21-14.
Both teams offense would come out swinging in the second half. Loras would use just 1:44 on the clock and score on a 36 yard run to knot the game at 21-21. On the first play of the next series, Dwayne Allen Jr. would break free and score on a 66 yard run. Loras responded on their next series to once again tie the game on a 10 play 69 yard drive with score 28-28. Just two minutes later, Loras would collect an interception and returned it 90 yards to once again lead UD 35-28. UD used three plays and would score on a 71 yard pass play to Reimer from Duffy to even the match 35-35. Loras late in the third quarter regained the lead on a one play 65 yard touchdown with 6:37 remaining. UD tied the game with 11:24 to go on a seven yard pass to Faamatuainu from Cody Folkers 42-42. Loras was moving the ball in the final minutes having it on UD's 35 yard line on a first and ten. Blaze Barista caused the Loras quarterback to fumble and the Spartans Marshon Crowder picked the ball and returned it 50 yards for the game winning score 49-42 with just 30 seconds remaining. Loras rallied, moved the ball to UD's 26 yard line before time expired and ended their day.
UD improves to 3-2 on the season and 2-1 in American Rivers Conference action. The Spartans play host to the Luther College Norse next week, Oct. 6 at 1 p.m. on Chalmers Field.