NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College football team continued its roll in conference play with a 41-20 win over Northwestern-St. Paul on Saturday.

Both teams looked to establish the run game in a quick first half. UNW's Payton Bowdry ran 17 times for 58 yards and a touchdown in the opening half, while the Knights ran for 105 yards on the way to a 17-7 lead at the break. Micah Otto opened the scoring with a 24-yard field goal in the first quarter, and Matt Stein (19-yard reception) and Joshuah Kren (13-yard run) each added scores for the Knights.

The Knights began to take the game over in the third quarter on both sides of the ball. Ian Paulsen sacked UNW's Ryan Flanigan for a safety to push the lead to 19-7, and Kren added to it with a 63-yard touchdown reception later in the third quarter. 

The Eagles wouldn't go away and added two scores in the second half, but MLC put the game to rest in the fourth quarter with touchdowns from Austin DeNoyer (three-yard run) and Josh Wordell (34-yard reception).

Ethan Aguilar had a big day in the passing game, setting new career highs for completions (12) and passing yards (232) while tying his career high in passing touchdowns (three). 

DeNoyer was steady throughout the day on the ground, carrying the ball 26 times for 147 yards and one score and playing a key role in opening up the big plays in the passing game off play-action. DeNoyer also caught three passes for 31 yards. 

Kren finished with 59 yards rushing to go with his team-leading 93 yards on three receptions.

After allowing 74 rushing yards in the first half, the Knights held the Eagles to -10 yards on the ground in the second half. After forcing the Eagles to beat them through the air, the Knights intercepted three passes and recorded three sacks. Aiden Holien intercepted two passes to go with three tackles. Nate Holz recorded the third interception, and also added one sack.

Paulsen led the team with nine total tackles, including the sack for a safety, and blocked a UNW field goal at the end of the second quarter that could have cut the MLC lead to one score. 

MLC improved to 6-1 on the season and 5-0 in UMAC play with the win. UNW fell to 2-6 overall and 2-4 in league play in defeat.

The Knights will return to action on Saturday, November 2, when they host Minnesota Morris in the home finale. Kick off is scheduled for 1 p.m.