THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Cal Lutheran football hosted top-25 vote-getter Central (IA) in its season opener, falling to the Dutch 35-10 at William Rolland Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

The game started with a strong defensive effort from the Kingsmen (0-1), as they held the Dutch (2-0) to 14 points in the first half, including limiting their total offensive yards to 133. However, the Kingsmen struggled offensively, unable to find a consistent rhythm against. Quarterback Jaden Casey completed 17 of 32 passes for 160 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown pass to Cade Cadam in the fourth quarter.

The Kingsmen defense provided some bright spots. Diego Serrano led the defense with 12 total tackles, including one for a loss while Blake Hurley added an interception. 

Entering the second half, the Dutch held a 14-0 lead. After an interception by Hurley deep in Central territory, the Kingsmen got on the board with 22-yard field goal by Daniel Burgos, cutting the lead to 14-3. However, the momentum quickly swung back in favor of the Dutch when they completed an 89-yard touchdown pass on their next possession, extending the lead to 21-3.

The Kingsmen posted 210 yards of total offense, with running backs CJ Zackery and Dylan Turner combining for 51 rushing yards. Anthony Valencia led the receiving corps with seven receptions for 48 yards.

The Kingsmen are back in action next Saturday when they host Pacific Lutheran University at 1 p.m. at William Rolland Stadium.