Luther traveled to Loras College and the Rock Bowl for the American Rivers Conference opener for both teams. The Norse battled the Duhawks all afternoon but were defaeted by a final of 44-29.

Trailing 14-0 late in the second quarter, the Norse scored two touchdowns in the final 3:14 to level the score at halftime. Linebacker Brayden Daly set up Luther's first score, picking off Loras quarterback Evan England on the Duhawk 18-yard line and returning the ball one. Two plays later Aiden Damiani  scored his first touchdown of the year with 2:35 left on the clock.

The Norse retook control of the football following an on-sides kick they recovered on the Duhawk 38-yard line. Beau Cornwell found Tommy Kaktis on a six-yard strike with 15 ticks left on the clock.

In the second half, the Duhawks and Norse combined for 45 points. Loras scored five touchdowns and Luther tallied two. The Duhawks scored twice in the third quarter and three times in the fourth. Luther scored both of its touchdowns in the fourth. 

Down by 14 (28-14) Cornwell connected with Blake Storby for a three-yard reception that capped off a 16-play, 68-yard drive at 13:36. The Duhawks answered with two more scores and held a 37-21 lead with just over seven minutes remaining in the game. Luther pulled to within eight at the 5:59 mark, after Cornwell connected with Kaktis for the second time, and then added a two-point conversion with a throw to Nick Gonzalez. 

Loras sealed the deal thanks to England's fourth touchdown pass, this time to Jaheem Haynes with just over two minutes left in the game.

Cornwell finished the afternoon 23-of-43 with two interceptions, 198 yards and three touchdowns. Kaktis was credited with seven catches for 96 yards and two touchdowns. Sam Zegler-Evans led the receiving corps with 9 catches for 75 yards. 

Defensively, Daly and Tyler Ragan both tallied 10 tackles, while Jadan Ruff was credited with eight. Xavier Andrade, Brandon Deas, Xavier Capton and Jermarion Williams were all credited with seven.

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

Next week, Luther hosts Central College at 1:00 p.m.