Box Score DUBUQUE, Iowa - Turnovers proved costly to the Elmhurst football team in a 39-17 season-opening loss at Loras College.

Elmhurst (0-1) could not overcome seven turnovers, including five in the fourth quarter of the loss.

The Bluejays trailed 18-14 at the half but pulled to within a point following a 21-yard field goal from Brett Bayer early in the third quarter. Things took a downward turn for the Bluejays the rest of the way. After forcing Loras into a three-and-out, the Bluejays muffed a punt with Loras recovering the fumble at the Elmhurst 39-yard line. Two plays later, the Duhawks' Nate Carrier scored on a 49-yard touchdown run to put Loras on top 25-17 with 4:42 left to play in the third.

Elmhurst had a drive going near the end of the third quarter, but a turnover brought it to an end. Facing a third-and-five from the Loras' 25-yard line, Joe Camiliere connected on a screen pass to Josh Williams. Williams had the first down and was headed to the pylon when the ball was jarred loose by Loras just inches before Williams crossed into the end zone. The Duhawks recovered the fumble in the end zone for a touchback, ending Elmhurst's scoring threat in the process.

Following a three-and-out from Loras, Elmhurst took over at their own 46-yard line but failed to convert on third down. Tom Finucane's punt was blocked by Loras' Austin Epple and Epple recovered the ball at the Elmhurst six-yard line. One play later, Calvin Smith found the end zone on a six-yard run to give Loras a 32-17 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Elmhurst turned the ball over to Loras on its next four offensive possessions, preventing the Bluejays from closing the gap. Loras put the game away in the final minute, as Carrier punched into the end zone on a three-yard run after the Duhawks had recovered a fumble at the Elmhurst nine-yard line.

The Bluejays jumped on the scoreboard first in the opening quarter. After turning the ball over to Loras on downs at the Duhawks' one-yard line, Elmhurst's defense came up big. A Trent Howard hit caused Carrier to cough up the football at the Duhawks one-yard line. Howard recovered the loose ball at the Loras three-yard line. Camiliere scored on a three-yard touchdown run three plays later to put Elmhurst on top 7-0.

Loras answered right back with a seven-play, 53-yard scoring drive capped by a four-yard touchdown run from Smith. The Duhawks used a quick snap to catch the Bluejays off guard on the extra point attempt and Smith snuck into the end zone for the two-point conversion to give Loras an 8-7 lead.

The Bluejays reclaimed the lead on their next possession, driving 70 yards mainly through the air. Camiliere capped the drive with an 18-yard touchdown run to put Elmhurst up 14-8 late in the first quarter.

Loras hit a field goal early in the second quarter to cut the Bluejays' lead down to three points. The Duhawks later strung together a 10-play, 60-yard drive capped by a Dylan Jones seven-yard touchdown pass to Jon Powers to give Loras an 18-14 lead at the half.

The Bluejays totaled 363 yards of offense and held an 11 minute advantage in time of possession, but Loras finished with 383 yards of offense in the victory. The Duhawks also kept Camiliere under constant pressure, finishing the contest with seven sacks.

Williams led Elmhurst with 149 total yards. He rushed for 68 yards on 19 carries and also caught seven passes for 81 yards. Camiliere rushed for 23 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries while also finishing 24-of-46 through the air for 261 yards. Garrett Claxon added seven receptions for 51 yards.

Carrier led Loras' ground attack, rushing 27 times for 117 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jones finished 23-of-36 for 267 yards and a touchdown.

Howard led the Elmhurst defense with seven tackles while Marvin Carr and Anthony Beltrano added six stops apiece.

Elmhurst will look to get back on track next Saturday (September 13), when the team travels to Olivet College.