It doesn't come easy but Coe gets first win

CEDAR RAPIDS - It's not supposed to be this difficult for the Coe Kohawks to win football games.

“We're making it hard on ourselves,” defensive end Frank Weymiller said after Coe escaped Simpson, 34-26, in an Iowa Conference opener Saturday afternoon at Clark Field. “It's nice to put those first two games behind us and get into conference play. We know everybody is tough in the Iowa Conference, so to start out with a win is pretty huge.”

Top 15 nationally preseason, Coe (1-2) dropped its first two games, including an overtime stunner last week that ended Olivet Nazarene's 18-game losing streak. This was better overall, especially on the scoreboard.

Even if it took an interception by defensive back Austin Lloyd of a tipped Hail Mary pass near midfield with 26 seconds left to finally close it out. A much-need win is a much-needed win.

“We're getting better,” said Coe's Brad Boyle. “We're making plays now.”

The all-American quarterback completed 13 of 17 passes for 168 yards to become the school's all-time leading passer. He also ran for three touchdowns, finally looking like the Brad Boyle that is the two-time reigning Iowa Conference MVP.

His 38-yard option keeper and ensuing 8-yard TD run culminated a 93-yard fourth-quarter drive that finally gave Coe a little cushion against stubborn Simpson (0-3). Boyle came into the game without a touchdown pass and with seven interceptions, leaving with those same numbers.

But this time he left with a huge victory also.

“I was really pleased with Brad's play,” said Coe Coach Steve Staker. “He kind of looked like the Brad of old. Looking downfield, trying to find receivers, tucking it and not trying to dodge people. He's looking downfield trying to find receivers, and if they're not there, he's running with it. That was a huge part of our success today.”

“We didn't do everything perfect today,” Boyle said. “If we can do everything perfect, who knows what this team can do. Next week we've got Wartburg, and we know we've got to be perfect against them.”

Simpson did a terrific job of playing keep away, effectively mixing the short pass and run to build an 11-minute advantage in time of possession. Quarterback Taylor Nelson completed 25 of 32 passes for 276 yards but was harassed incessantly the final two drives by Weymiller, who finished with four sacks and six tackles for loss.

“It's been kind of nice these last couple of years that we've (usually) been up and teams have had to pass,” said Weymiller, who owns Coe's career sacks record. “It was nice to finally get up in a game (this season) to where you know they were going to be passing. I love that.”