FOOTBALL DEFEATS #11 INDIANA WESLEYAN 28-21
(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia football hosted #11 Indiana Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon as they began MSFA Mideast Division play. Both teams entered undefeated in the high-profile matchup. The Cardinals jumped ahead early but found themselves locked in a tied game late in the 4th quarter. However, a scoring drive in the final minutes propelled the team to a 28-21 victory.
Gavin Brooks passed for 188 yards and 3 touchdowns in the game. Keirell Jackson rushed for 108 yards on 14 carries. Seeger DeGayner led the team with 70 receiving yards and the game-winning touchdown. Parker Graham, Luke Wilson and Keviantae Brown also added touchdown receptions.
On defense, Aaron Rahn led the team with 10 total tackles. Hunter Maynard finished with 9 tackles and an interception. Conner Long and Gabe Whitmore tied for third with 7 tackles apiece. Gerald McHenry also notched the game-clinching interception.
Concordia received the ball to begin the game. The Cardinals wasted no time with Gavin Brooks putting together a 16-play, 78-yard scoring drive. Brooks eventually found Parker Graham on a 7-yard touchdown pass for an early 7-0 lead.
The Concordia defense forced a three-and-out on the next series. Starting from their own 3-yard line, the Cardinals put together an 8-play, 97-yard scoring drive to add another touchdown. A 51-yard rush from Keirell Jackson moved the team downfield, and eventually a trick play saw Nolan Smith find Luke Wilson for a 3-yard touchdown. CUAA led 14-0 after the first quarter.
Indiana Wesleyan began to mount a comeback in the second quarter. The Wildcats made several stops on defense and put together 2 successful scoring drives to tie the game 14-14. Both defenses held each other in check for the remainder of the half and the score remained tied at halftime.
Concordia started the third quarter on defense and held Indiana Wesleyan to a missed field goal. After a Cardinal drive stalled, the defense stepped up with Gabe Whitmore tipping a ball to Hunter Maynard for an interception. The Cardinals were able to convert on an 11-play, 40-yard drive with a heavy rushing attack from Keirell Jackson to move downfield. On 4th-and-1, Gavin Brooks looked right and found running back Keviante Brown for a touchdown.
Concordia's defense forced a fumble in the 4th quarter when Casey Rauch knocked the ball out and Andrew Foerster recovered it. However, Indiana Wesleyan came up with a defensive stop and made a touchdown drive to tie the game 21-21.
The Cardinals got the ball back with 4:49 remaining and put together a critical 10-play, 69-yard scoring drive to retake the lead. Gavin Brooks eventually tossed a short pass to Seeger DeGayner who broke several tackles and scored for a 28-21 advantage.
The Concordia defense made one final stand as Gerald McHenry was able to rip the ball away from an intended Indiana Wesleyan receiver for a crucial interception. The Cardinals were able to kneel out the clock and secure the win.
Concordia will remain at home when they host rival Siena Heights next week at 1pm.