NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College football team overcame a slow start to defeat Rockford University 34-20 in Saturday's home opener. 

The Regents marched down the field for two straight touchdown drives of 55 and 73 yards, respectively, to open the game, but the Knights scored 34 unanswered points over the next three quarters on the way to the win. 

Quarterback Ethan Aguilar had a big day in his second career start, completing eight of 16 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for one score. Josh Wordell, Mike Radue and Micah Otto each caught touchdown passes, with Radue capping the scoring with a 62-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to push the lead to 34-14 with 6:18 to play.

Austin DeNoyer led the Knights on the ground with 118 yards on 25 carries. Joshuah Kren added 13 carries for 45 yards and one score.

The MLC defense and special teams set up the offense with great field position for much of the game. The Knights' two scoring drives in the first half traveled 36 and 21 yards, respectively, thanks to a pair of Rockford turnovers. In the fourth quarter, MLC scored on drives of 20 and 13 yards thanks to a Benjamin Hodel punt return and a David Hirsch fumble recovery that set the Knights up in scoring position. 

After allowing 91 yards through the air in the first quarter, the MLC defense shut down the Rockford offense the rest of the way, allowing only one big play late in the fourth quarter as it held the Regents to 320 total yards for the game. 

Dan Gensmer led the defensive effort with 3.5 sacks and seven total tackles. Ian Paulsen and Tristan Pankow each added seven tackles and one interception.

MLC improved to 1-1 on the season with the win. Rockford fell to 1-1 in defeat.

The Knights are off next weekend with a bye, but will return to action on Saturday, September 28, when they host Greenville.