Drake turns up the heat in third quarter, defeats Valparaiso 41-0 in PFL opener

By Canadian Press on October 4, 2025.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Nick Herman ran for two touchdowns, Jacob Auen returned an interception for a score — all in an explosive third quarter — and Drake routed Valparaiso 41-0 in a Pioneer Football League opener on Saturday.

The two-time defending PFL champion Bulldogs (2-2) led 13-0 at halftime then blew the game open with a 21-point third quarter. Auen’s 9-yard pick-6 got things started after halftime and Herman followed with touchdown runs of 1 and 27 yards.

A 25-yard touchdown pass from Logan Inagawa to Hank Foley wrapped up the scoring with 3 1/2 minutes left in the game.

Auen’s interception was one of three picks for the Bulldogs, whose defense allowed just 105 total yards.

The Beacons (1-4) have been outscored 99-7 in their last two games.

First-year Drake coach Joe Woodley has never lost a conference game and is 73-5 overall in his career that included six seasons at NAIA Grand View.

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The Associated Press