DUBUQUE, Iowa- The Spartans claimed the Key City Clash for the sixth consecutive time on Saturday after beating the Loras College Duhawks 60-22 at the Rock Bowl.
The Spartans trailed early 7-15 before a 50-0 run by UD put the game away. The game started with back-to-back defensive touchdowns, the Spartans scored on a 22 yard interception by Michael Joseph. Loras would knot the game at 7-7 after a fumble by the Spartans landed in the hands of Calvin Harridge which he took 10 yards for the score. Loras would get their first lead of the afternoon when the Duhawks Zach Minch broke open for the longest run of the day a 51 yard scramble to put the Duhawks at the Spartans five yard line. They would punch it in two plays later to lead 15-7 after a two point conversion.
UD would respond by scoring in the next eight of nine possessions. With 4:06 left in the first quarter, UD tied the game at 15-15 when quarterback Conor Feckley connected with Jonathan Duarte for a 42 yard score. A two-point conversion by Dwayne Allen Jr. capped off the three play 64 yard drive. UD would miss a field goal with :02 left after a 10 play 67 yard drive which used 3:18 on the clock.
Le'Devin Smith added another defensive score when he hauled in a deflected pass and returned it 38 yards with 10:21 left in the second 22-15. Duarte broke loose once again and scored on a seven yard reception with 5:04 on the clock. The nightmare was just beginning for the Duhawks when a fumble just seconds later would be scooped up by Smith for the 40 yard touchdown at 4:46, 36-15.
As time was expiring in the first half, Feckley found the open arms of Dylan Schultz for a four yard TD with :01 remaining. UD led at the break 43-15.
The Spartans kept the offense rolling after halftime by scoring 17 points in the third quarter. Duarte would collect his third touchdown on the afternon on a 39 yard pass with 11:52 of the the third period. Najee Toomer scored on a 13 yard pass play with 8:04 left, 57-15. Loras sliced into the lead on a 41 touchdown pass, 57-22 with 5:26 in the third. UD's Brayden Neuendorf would finish the scoring on a 26 yard field goal with 2:14 left, 60-22. Both teams would be held scoreless in the final quarter. UD's Damion Clemons nearly broke away after a 19 yard run near the end of the fourth, but would get stopped at the Duhawks 15 yard line.
Maurece Herrion rushed 19 times for 94 yards as UD finished with a team 166 yards on the ground. Feckley completed 17-27 pass attempts for 353 yards and five touchdowns. Toomer led with five receptions for 105 yards, but Duarte ended with four grabs for 130 yards and three touchdowns.
Connor O'Malley punted four times for 196 yards which included a 61 yard boot. Defensively it was a balanced day with Joseph finishing with eight tackles trailed by teammates Joseph McMahon (6), Derek Trotter (6), Derek Schambow (5), and Smith (5). UD had eight tackles for losses in the victory.
The Spartans finish their season with an 8-2 overall record and a Iowa Conference record of 6-2 as they enter their off-week in the final week of the 2016 conference season. UD will finish second in the conference as they own the tie break over Central College.
1. Coe (9-0 overall, 7-0 in IIAC)
2. UD (8-2 overall, 6-2 in IIAC)
3. Central (7-2 overall, 5-2 in IIAC)
4. Wartburg (5-4 overall, 4-3 in IIAC)
5. Buena Vista (3-6 overall, 3-4 in IIAC)
Luther (3-6 overall, 2-5 in IIAC)
Nebraska Wesleyan (3-6 overall, 2-5 in IIAC)
Simpson (3-6 overall, 2-5 in IIAC)
9. Loras (1-8 overall, 1-6 in IIAC)
Final games on Nov. 12:
Central at Luther at 12:00 p.m.
Buena Vista at Wartburg at 1:00 p.m.
Coe at Simpson at 1:00 p.m.
Loras at Nebraska Wesleyan at 1:00 p.m.
In the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect, and in a desire to give back to our local community and what it means to be faith-based institutions the The University of Dubuque and Loras College contribute a portion of the gate receipts from the Key City Clash annual event to a non-profit organization. It is with appreciation to our players, fans, and the Dubuque Community that Presidents Dr. Jeffrey Bullock and Jim Collins present this year's support to The Dubuque Dream Center – a center built on Dr. King's dream of transforming communities by embracing, empowering, and unifying those who live there. Organizations who have received donations from the game are: United Way (2008), Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Eastern Iowa (2009), the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dubuque (2010), Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Flood Relief (2011), Riverview Center (2012), Opening Doors Maria House-Teresa Shelter (2013), the Gabriel Project (2014), and the Dubuque Dream Center (2015). The 2016 non-profit has yet to be named.
Since Dubuque played a key role in the early development of the state, Dubuque is often referred as "The Key City". The winner of the Key City Clash will proudly display the traveling trophy for the following year at their school. One side of the key is painted blue and white to represent the University of Dubuque while the other is painted in purple and gold for Loras College. The winner of the annual game gains possession of the "Key to the City". The wooden key presented to the winner each year is six feet in length. The Spartans have won the last five meetings, while the Duhawks won the first three meetings.
2008 - Loras College won 42-6 at Rock Bowl
2009 – Loras College won 43-14 at Chalmers Field
2010 – Loras College won 14-6 at Rock Bowl
2011 – University of Dubuque won 41-16 at Chalmers Field
2012 – University of Dubuque won 45-0 at Rock Bowl
2013 - University of Dubuque won 56-0 at Chalmers Field
2014 - University of Dubuque won 34-7 at Rock Bowl
2015 - University of Dubuque won 42-7 at Chalmers Field
2016 - University of Dubuque won 60-22 at Rock Bowl