By Aaron Urbanski

The UNK Loper football team (0-6) started Saturday’s contest against the Truman State Bulldogs (4-2) with a bang behind a strong performance from sophomore running back Ricky Trinidad who finished the day with 110 yards rushing on 16 carries. Following Trinidad’s 42-yard run early in the first half, the Lopers capitalized on a solid 92-yard drive to take the lead at 7-3.

“The line played pretty well and gave us some big holes to run through,” said Trinidad following the game on Y102’s Loper post game show.

Unfortunately much of the Loper’s troubles would soon follow through the air after a Sean Flanagan pass was picked off midway through the second quarter to set up a 66-yard touchdown grab by Bulldog’s receiver Dallas Greir.

The Lopers would end their next six drives on five punts and another interception by Truman defensive back Robert Gayden despite outgaining the Bulldogs in total yards Saturday.

Defensively the Lopers came to play despite being placed in bad situations by the offense and giving up a few big plays through the air to a talented group of Truman receivers. At the end of the day, the Lopers held the Bulldogs to just 78 yards rushing on 34 attempts and a season low 16 points.

“Everyday we’re getting better,” said junior defensive end Matt Bowman who had eight tackles and two pass-break-ups Saturday. “Dex (Schwieger), and the rest of us were dong a great job of putting pressure on them for most of the game. We just have to finish and clean up the simple mistakes.”

The Lopers are looking to come away with their first win of the season Saturday, Oct. 13 in Jefferson City, Mo. against the Lincoln University Blue Tigers (0-6). Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.