It was the American Rivers Conference opener this afternoon in Carlson Stadium. Luther hosted the University of Dubuque and was defeated by a final of 28-2.

Luther took the opening kick-off and put together a 51-yard drive that ended with an interception by Dubuque's Colton Pedersen on the Spartans one-yard line. Six plays later, Hayden Glynn sacked Dubuque quarterback Jacob Keller in the end zone for a safety.

The Spartans lone score in the first half came at 9:27 of the second quarter, when Kallion Buckner scored the first of his two touchdowns, breaking free for a 12-yard touchdown run. The score capped off a nine-play, 69-yard drive that took 3:47 off the clock.

The Spartans scored three times in the second half, twice in the third quarter. Kallion took the first snap from scrimmage in the third frame and broke loose for a 64-yard touchdown run. Keller connected with Elliott Pipkin on a two-yard pass at 3:55. Keller completed the scoring with an eight-yard run with 10:01 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Luther had 182 yards of total offense with 109 of those coming on the ground. Vershon Brooks was the work horse carrying the football 30 times for 81 yards. Brooks was also credited with five kick-off returns for 81 yards and had one catch for six yards, finishing the afternoon with 168 all-purpose yards.  Michael Lorento threw for 73 yards connecting five times with Andre Atkins.

Glynn led the defensive unit with 13 tackles that included a game high five solo. Zach Olson was next with seven, followed by Sam Bundy, Brandon Deas, Levi Wolter and Chris Pinkney who all had four.

The loss gives Luther an overall record of 0-3. Dubuque improved to 2-1.

Next week, Luther will travel to Buena Vista University for a game in Storm Lake, Iowa that will kick-off at 1:00 p.m.