ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Northwestern football team hosted Iowa Wesleyan University in its final contest of the 2018 season. The Eagles orchestrated a dynamic finish, putting together 357 yards of total offense and outscoring the Tigers 28-0 in record-low temperatures at Reynolds Field.
Northwestern wraps up its 2018 season with an even 5-5 record and a 5-3 mark in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC), a fourth place league finish. Iowa Wesleyan ends the year 1-9 overall, 1-7 in UMAC play.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Eagles made their way to the end zone propelled by a 53-yard pass completion from
Damon Clapper (Dallas Center, Iowa/Dallas Center - Grimes) to
Nate VanBeusekom (Arden Hills, Minn./Mounds View). The 12-play drive resulted in a 9-yard touchdown rush from Clapper.
Josiah Donat's (Elk River, Minn./Washtenaw Christian Academy) PAT was good to give Northwestern a 7-0 lead.
The Eagles extended their lead in the third quarter, scoring twice. First on a 10-yard touchdown pass from
Damon Clapper (Dallas Center, Iowa/Dallas Center - Grimes) to
KJ Downey (Blaine, Minn./Blaine HS). Next, on a big time play from
George Obitz (Florence, Ariz./Florence) – who blocked an Iowa Wesleyan punt that was recovered by
Carter Michaelson (South St. Paul, Minn./South St. Paul) in the end zone for another Northwestern touchdown.
The Eagles entered the fourth quarter up 21-0 when senior
Taylor Lindahl (Watertown, S.D./Watertown) came in to direct the drive. The veteran commanded the offense, throwing three complete passes to advance Northwestern 58 yards. The drive ended in a 16-yard touchdown pass to
Caleb Sieben (Anoka, Minn./Anoka) to give UNW a 28-0 advantage.
Damon Clapper (Dallas Center, Iowa/Dallas Center - Grimes) led the running efforts, picking up 47 yards on 4 attempts and a touchdown. Clapper completed seven passes for 133 yards.
On the defensive end,
George Obitz (Florence, Ariz./Florence) led the way, recording eight tackles. Four Eagles were credited with a sack in the game (
Josiah Nohr (Merrill, Wis./Merrill),
James Gentile (Las Vegas, Nev./Calvery Chapel),
Chase Marlenee (Northfield, Minn./Northfield) and
Ethan Bush (Bemidji, Minn./Bemidji)). Obitz,
Felipe Ramirez (Faribault, Minn./Faribault) and
Daniel Fenske (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North) each tacked on an interception in the game as Northwestern finished with 14 on the year (second most in the UMAC).
Four seniors were honored for their contributions to the Northwestern program prior to kickoff. Senior quarterback
Taylor Lindahl (Watertown, S.D./Watertown) ends his career with 2,761 yards passing, 19 touchdowns and holds the UNW record for longest pass (92 yards to
Gavin Welch (Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo) in 2017).
Ben Maki (Elk River, Minn./Spectrum), a 2017 All-UMAC second team pick, recorded 126 tackles, 12 pass break-ups and a pair of interceptions in his three-year career.
Colton Paskewitz (Browerville, Minn./Staples) wrapped up his final game on the UNW O-line as a three-year starter for the Eagles, a captain and member of the legacy council. Despite suffering an injury this season,
Ryan Van Maanen (Oshkosh, Wis./Valley Christian) concludes his career as a four year contributor, recording 94 tackles, four interceptions, 21 pass break-ups and three forced fumbles in his career.
For all things Northwestern football, visit www.unweagles.com or follow along on Twitter and Instagram at @unwfb.
