WAVERLY, Iowa – The 2024 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) champion, No. 10/11 ranked Wartburg College Knights, fell short advancing in the NCAA Division III Football Championship. The No. 21 ranked Bethel defeated the Knights 24-14 in a battle at Walston-Hoover Stadium in Waverly, Iowa this afternoon. The Wartburg Knights incredible season comes to a close with an overall record of 10-2.
The Knights, although using a back-up quarterback, put up a fight against a tough Bethel offensive. Riley Richards was 14-for-30 (46.7%) for 177 yards. He recorded two touchdowns. Dawson Rud led Wartburg with 49 rushing yards on 18 attempts. Jagger Schmitt led with three receptions for 92 yards.
Bethel will now face Susquehanna next week in the quarterfinals on Saturday, December 14 on ESPN+.
The Wartburg Knights made the playoffs for the 17th time in program history.
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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.
