Whittier College racked up 356 yards of total offense en route to a 38-26 opening season victory over Luther this afternoon in Whittier, California. The Poets held a 21-6 lead at halftime, but were outscored 20-17 by the Norse in the second half. This was the first ever meeting between these two schools.

Luther tallied 262 yards of total offense, with 185 coming on the ground. Parker Kizer led the rushing attack with a career high 103 yards on six carries. His long was 68-yards. 

Ian Kuykendall scored twice for the Norse. He found the end zone on a one-yard run late in the second quarter, and on a three-yard plunge early in the third quarter. Kizer scored on a 24-yard scamper with 4:57 left in the game, and Tre Jensen scored on a six-yard run with 1:23 left on the clock. 

Defensively, Eythan Blair tallied 10 tackles. Jeremy Costa and Jeremy Whalen were next with nine each, while Patrick Beatty and Bryce Neuse were both credited with seven.

One week from today, Luther will host St. Olaf College for the final non-conference game of the year. Kick-off is slated for 2:00 p.m.