Coe fumbled three times, losing two of them, and had a field goal blocked, while a miscue on another extra point cost the Kohawks points.
Coe started the game at its own 35 yard line, thanks to a 29-yard kick return by senior Tommy Breitbach (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Xavier). First-year starter CJ Feller (Waukegam, Ill./Warren Township) completed the first two passes of the game for a first down, as Coe gained positive yards on its first six plays of the game. An incomplete pass on third and four led to a 40-yard field goal attempt for sophomore Elliot Rausa (Waterloos, Iowa/Columbus). The kick sailed wide left, leaving the Kohawks with no points after the 37-yard drive.
After forcing a three and out on the first defensive stand of the year, an 18-yard punt return by Breitbach put the Coe offense in Viking territory to start the drive. Feller was stuffed on fourth and one at the 38, turning the ball back over to the Vikings.
Augustana proceeded to take the ball 61 yards on seven plays to take a 7-0 lead with 5:07 remaining in the first quarter. The Vikings were helped by a 12-yard pass from Tim Podulka to Matt Downing on second and 14, which set up a 36-yard run by Henry Deters on third and two. Coe was forced to put on its next possession after an eight-play, 42-yard drive.
The Kohawks quickly got the ball back as Breitbach intercepted a Podulka pass two plays later, returning it 12 yards to the Augie six yard line. Sam Hammes (Story City, Iowa/Roland-Story) rushed six-yards to the end zone on the next play to bring the Kohawks within one. Coe was forced to scramble on the extra point, as holder Nick Ratchford (Waterloo, Iowa/Columbus) was stopped just short of the end zone.
The Vikings scored another touchdown in the second quarter, as Jake Parke scored on a one-yard touchdown run with 7:02 to play in the first half. Augie re-gained possession on the following kickoff, as Seth Paysen (Camanche, Iowa/Camanche) fumbled the kickoff. The Vikings held on to the ball for a 10-play, 29-yard drive that last 7:01, but ended with senior Zach Brugman (Solon, Iowa/Solon) blocking a 26-yard field goal attempt by Ryan Gibbons.
A fumbled punt return by Kelvin Lee (Solon, Iowa/Solon) with 7:11 to play in the game led to the Vikings final score of the day. Augie took the ball 20 yards to the end zone with 3:21 to play, sealing the season-opening win.
Hammes finished the day with 17 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown. He also had four receptions for 16 yards. Feller completed 22 of his 32 attempts for 201 yards, with a long of 15. He threw two interceptions and was sacked three times.
Eight different Kohawks caught a pass from Feller, led by Ratchford with five receptions for 53 yards.
Junior Tate Harrison (Nevada, Iowa/Nevada) led all defenders with 15 tackles in the game. Calvin Thomas (Westchester, Ill./St. Joseph's) added nine tackles, including a fumble recovery. Senior Aaron Hadenfeldt (Solon, Iowa/Solon) added eight tackles, including three and a half for a loss. He also forced a fumble.
Coe will return to action Saturday as they host Gustavus in their home opener. It will be the first game of the year for the Golden Gusties. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Clark Field.
