Oles can't capitalize in loss to Norse, Reinhardt breaks record

Box Score NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Luther College scored a 20-3 non-conference football victory over host St. Olaf on Saturday at Manitou Field.

The Luther win offset a record-setting day for the Oles' Joel Reinhard, who set a school single-game mark with 19 receptions for 112 yards in the loss. He had catches on each of the team's first three plays from scrimmage and 11 in the first half. He finished the day with 112 yards receiving.

The Norse (2-0) rushed for 239 yards and used one of two completions from quarterback JJ Sirios for an 18-yard touchdown in the victory. Luther was 3-for-3 in red zone conversions, while St. Olaf was 1-of-3.

The Oles' Nate Penz threw for 209 yards while connecting on 35-of-48 attempts.

The St. Olaf defense held its ground in the first half. Luther's only score in the first two quarters came the Sirios throw on 3rd and 18 after a mishandled punt snap gave the Norse a short field.

The Ole defense was paced by Colten Yahn and David Jean, who had 10 and nine tackles.

The loss was the Oles' first non-conference defeat at home since 1999, snapping a 10-game winning streak.

St. Olaf edged Luther in first downs (22-16), passing yards (209-32) and total offense (279-271) but the Oles couldn't get in the end zone. Trailing 7-3 in the second quarter, St. Olaf had the ball 4th-and-goal from the Luther 2-yard line. Penz completed a swing pass to Troy Peterson, but he was stopped inches from the goal line and the Norse took over on downs.

The Oles had a long drive in the fourth quarter stopped inside the red zone as well. After going 52 yards on nine plays, Penz was intercepted by Luke Pulliam at the Luther 5-yard line. Pulliam returned the interception into St. Olaf territory to all but seal the win.

St. Olaf plays at Bethel University next Saturday and at Concordia-Moorhead on Sept. 27. The Oles return for a homecoming game with the University of St. Thomas on Oct. 4.

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