RYAN REEBENACKER, KNIGHTWIRE MANAGER, TRUMPET SPORTS WRITER
Prior to the beginning of the 2019 Wartburg football season, there were a lot of questions about who would fill the shoes of Matt Sacia ’19, a two-time Gagliardi Trophy finalist.
“It’s cool to get that recognition but what I really care about, and what the team cares about, is getting that win. But the record is really cool and it’s something I’ll definitely remember.”
— NOAH DODD, STARTING QUARTERBACK
After a dominant season where Noah Dodd ’20 led the Knights to the NCAA tournament for the first time as a starter, the doubters have been nowhere to be found. Dodd’s season stats include 21 touchdown passes compared to two interceptions, a completion percentage of 68% and a quarterback rating of 175.8.
“Basically when I played behind Matt I prepared every week like I was the starter so that I’d be ready to go,” Dodd said. “This year it’s been no different in my preparation than it has in years past.”
READ ALSO: DODD, MOORE FIGHT FOR 2019 STARTING NOD
Dodd capped off the regular season in the Knights’ 48-7 win over the Loras Duhawks on Saturday. Dodd threw for three touchdowns as well as picked up a pair of rushing scores. On senior day, Dodd connected twice with Kolin Schulte ’19 to push Schulte past the regular season receiving touchdown record. Schulte sits now at 16 touchdowns, breaking the past record of 15.
“That was an awesome experience that I’ll remember forever,” Dodd said. “I’ve seen first-hand all the work Kolin has put in the last four years and he truly deserves that record.”
Dodd entered Saturday’s contest fresh off of being named to the NCAA D-III football team of the week for week 10. Dodd threw for five touchdowns and ran in a pair in the team’s 57-56 overtime loss to the rival Central Dutch. Dodd contributed over 490 yards of total offense in that game.
Additionally, Dodd tied the school record for single-game passing touchdowns twice with five against both Nebraska Wesleyan and Central. The last Knight to match that feat was Sacia in the Knight’s 2018 Homecoming game.
“Just being mentioned in the same sentence as a guy like Matt Sacia is pretty cool,” Dodd said. “It’s cool to get that recognition but what I really care about, and what the team cares about, is getting that win. But the record is really cool and it’s something I’ll definitely remember.”
Dodd guided Wartburg through a near-perfect season, finishing 7-1 in conference play. The Knights will go on the road to Holland, Michigan to face Hope College in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Knight Wire 
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