WAVERLY, Iowa – The No. 11/11 Wartburg College Knights extended its season today on their home field against No. 7/9 Wisconsin-Platteville with a gritty 19-14 victory in their first taste of playoffs this season. The Knights will continue to represent the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) in the playoffs next weekend when they play Bethel University from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC).
The Knights scored first and never looked back in the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs as the picked up another win over a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) team for the third straight playoff season (Wisconsin-La Crosse - 2022, Wisconsin-Whitewater - 2023). Wartburg was led from the quarterback position by Carter Markham who was 6-for-13 for 63 yards and rushed on 13 occasions for 45 yards and one touchdown. Dawson Rud led the rushing game with 155 yards on 26 attempts and one touchdown. John McConohy had four receptions for 68 yards with the long coming at 35 yards. Defensively, Mac Watss led with ten total tackles, including five solo efforts. Christian Nunley added eight tackels and Nate Link with eight. Justin Grieff and Parker Rochford both grabbed one interception each. Thane Alexander also forced one fumble. Jaxson Hoppes punted the ball away two times with his long coming at 34 yards. Cael O'Neill recorded three made field goals on top of his five kickoffs for 261 yards.
Wartburg advances to take on Bethel University in the round of 16 of the 2024 NCAA Division III Football Playoffs. Wartburg continues its playoff success as they now move their all-time playoff record to 18-16. The Knights secured their 20th conference title after capping a perfect 8-0 record in the A-R-C this year and are in their 17th NCAA playoff appearance.
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About the American Rivers Conference
The Conference dates back to December 8, 1922, when representatives from 12 colleges got together and formed the "Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association." Honoring its heritage in Iowa and its expansion outside the state, the American Rivers Conference brand was established on August 9, 2018, to build on the academic and athletic success provided by its legacy, the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The A-R-C has nine full-time members: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.
