APPLETON, Wis. — Lawrence University mounted a second-half comeback attempt Saturday at Ron Roberts Field at the Banta Bowl, scoring 17 points after halftime but ultimately falling to Beloit College 27-17.
The Buccaneers built a 20-0 lead through the first two quarters. Beloit opened the scoring with a 53-yard touchdown pass from Noah Carrasco to Brayden Jackson in the first quarter, although the extra-point attempt was blocked. Beloit added an interception-return touchdown in the second quarter before Carrasco connected with Sammy Barreiro on a 20-yard scoring pass to send the Buccaneers into halftime with a three-score advantage.
Lawrence began to respond in the third quarter. After putting together a sustained drive, the Vikings got on the board when Jordan Pidala connected with Odexter Simms on a 38-yard touchdown pass. The score cut into Beloit's lead and gave Lawrence momentum heading into the fourth quarter.
Beloit answered with a touchdown pass from Carrasco to Dominic Guzman early in the final period, extending its advantage to 27-7. Lawrence continued to battle, however, adding a safety before Pidala and Simms connected for a second time. Their 15-yard touchdown pass brought the Vikings within 10 points, and Jacob Cawley added the two-point conversion to make it 27-17.
The Vikings' second-half production made the contest closer after the early deficit, but Lawrence could not complete the comeback. The offense finished with 304 total yards, slightly more than Beloit's 289, and the Vikings recorded 18 first downs compared with 14 for the Buccaneers.
Pidala completed 16 of 36 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Simms led Lawrence's scoring effort through the air, finishing with three receptions for 56 yards and both touchdowns. Gooden contributed 105 all-purpose yards, including 62 rushing yards on four carries and 43 receiving yards. Cawley added 23 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards.
Beloit built its advantage through three first-half scores and added the fourth-quarter touchdown that helped withstand Lawrence's rally. Carrasco threw three touchdown passes, connecting with Jackson, Barreiro and Guzman.
