Records Fall In Wartburg-Central Game [Video]

The Wartburg Knights set multiple school records in a 51-37 loss to Central in Pella on Saturday (Oct. 22, 2016).

Sophomore quarterback Matt Sacia shattered a pair of single-game passing records, completing 37 passes and throwing for 500 yards and against the Dutch. Nick Yordi established the old completions mark (31) in a 2009 game against Loras, while the previous record of 400 yards was set by Logan Schrader against Central in 2012.

Junior wide receiver Griffin Brennecke also put his name in the record book. His 14 catches on the day bested the previous pass receptions mark of 13 set by Trevor Shannon against Central in 1998. Brennecke ended the afternoon eight yards shy of the single-game school record in reception yards, a mark held by current Wartburg defensive coordinator Chris Winter.

The Knights (4-3 overall, 3-2 IIAC) took an early 7-0, scored on their opening possession. The five-play, 78-yard drive ended when Sacia hooked up with Brennecke on a 64-yard yard touchdown pass and Brayton Brandt added the extra point.

The rest of the first half was dominated by Central (6-2, 4-2). The Dutch scored 42 unanswered points as they built a 42-14 halftime advantage. Central quarterback Riley Gray tied a school record when he fired five touchdown passes -- all in the first half -- as the teams combined for 1,175 yards. The total yardage was a also the most in a game involving the Dutch. which was also single-game record Central record in the unexpectedly wild affair. Gray connected on 29 of 43 passes for 327 yards with one interception. He also rushed 18 times for 82 yards.

Central receiver Sam Markham added to his already glossy numbers, breaking the school career pass receiving yards record. His 12 catches Saturday for 202 yards -- four yards shy of his career best and the fourth most in school history -- give him 2,638 career yards. That eclipses the record 2,566 posted by Chris Johnson (1995-98).

The Dutch rolled up 616 yards of total offense, the fourth most in school history. Meanwhile, the 500 yards thrown by Sacia were the most ever allowed by Central. The Knights were limited to 59 yards rushing on 29 carries, including a team-high 49 yards on 10 attempts by Sacia.

Sophomore Connor Frerichs led the Wartburg defense with 18 total tackles.

UP NEXT: Wartburg returns to the field on Saturday (Oct. 29). The Knights are on the road again, playing at 1 p.m. game at Dubuque.

Courtesy: Central Athletics