For the first time in 504 days Luther football faced an American Rivers Conference opponent. This afternoon in Carlson Stadium, Loras College defeated Luther 45-21. The Duhawks scored 31 unanswered points after Luther had taken a 21-14 lead early in the third quarter, following a 73-yard touchdown run by quarterback Michael Lorento.

Prior to his career long scamper, Lorento had connected with Andre Atkins on touchdown passes of 75 and 11 yards. Lorento finished the game 9-of-20 for 148 yards and threw one interception. His favorite target was Atkins who finished the afternoon with four receptions for 97 yards.

Luther out gained Loras on the ground 268 to 174. Parker Kizer rushed for 104 yards on 26 carries. Lorento was next with five carries for 61 yards.

The Duhawks won the battle in the air throwing for 227 yards, connecting on touchdown passes of 34, 17 and 18 yards.

Defensively, Ethan Blair and Chris Pinkney had double digit tackle efforts. Blair led all tacklers with 15 that included two for loss. Pinkney was credited with 10. Brandon Deas was next with nine and also had two interceptions and two pass break-ups.

The Norse will return to action one week from today when they will host non-conference opponent University of Northwestern, St. Paul, Minn. Kick-off is slated for Noon.