Written by Josh Garcia
BVU Sports Information Student Contributor

INDIANOLA, Iowa (Nov. 12, 2022) - The Buena Vista football team concluded their season with a nail-biting 26-21 road win over Simpson College on a frigid Saturday afternoon inside of Buxton Stadium.

The Beavers fell behind early on a Storm touchdown run, but responded immediately with a score of their own as Dylan Laughlin threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Powell. The extra point attempt was blocked so the Storm stayed in front 7-6.

BVU eventually pulled in front on the final play of the first quarter with a 30-yard touchdown passes from Zach Herrera before Laughlin hooked up with Michael Odom from 35-yards out early in the second quarter. The Storm were resilient and put the game within a score heading into the waning minutes of the game. BVU was driving late, aiming to put the game out of reach before a fumble by Laughlin gave the Storm the ball with just under two minutes left. Simpson drove into the redzone before the Beaver defense made a final stand to win the game.

"Defensively, our guys played with so much energy and effort today," said BVU head coach Grant Mollring. "We were in some tough situations today, including the final drive of the game, but we didn't break. We got the stop when we needed it."

Offensively, the Beavers averaged 6.0 yards per play for a total of 470 yards. Laughlin got the start behind center and completed 17 of 27 passes for 219 yards and two passing touchdowns. Both Herrera and Michael Odom contributed a passing touchdown of their own.

"Dylan Laughlin had an exceptional day moving back to QB for the first time since 2019," Mollring added. "He finished his career on a high note as he ran the offense very effectively. Zach (Herrera) came in and did a great job in the first half as well."

Odom was a versatile threat all afternoon, rushing for 104 yards on 18 attempts while also recording 51 yards and a touchdown receiving. Jeremiah Powell caught 5 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Andre Booker had 3 catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. Isaia Morones caught 3 catches for 36 yards.

"Michael Odom showed today what he is capable of as he rushed for 100 plus yards," says Mollring, " He also had 51 yards receiving and a TD, and also threw for a TD. Our offensive line really got better as the year went on, and they all five will be back in 2023." 

On defense, the Beavers allowed 390 yards with an average of 4.7 yards per play. They were led by Jeremy Woodward with 10 tackles. BJ Glover contributed with 9 tackles of his own.

"Very proud of our guys for picking up a win in our final game this season," Mollring concludes. "It was evident to me over the past two weeks of practice that our guys wanted to finish well. I appreciated their energy and passion today and our entire team was involved in this win. I do want to make sure and acknowledge our staff. These coaches have continued to be men of character and have really poured their lives into this program. We are blessed to have some great men in those positions."

Buena Vista concludes the year at 4-6 overall (3-5 A-R-C).