(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia football is set to embark on the 2019 season following a record breaking year. The Cardinals, ranked #6 in the NAIA Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll, will be looking to build off last year's success and continue to advance in the NAIA Playoff Championship Series. Head Coach Joshua Schumacher enters his third year at the helm, fresh off leading the team to a school record 10 wins and the first playoff victory in program history. With a strong nucleus of returners and a talented incoming class in place for the 2019 campaign, the Cardinals will look to continue to improve as they have each of the past 6 years.
Preseason Recognition
Concordia earned a ranking of #6 in the NAIA Football Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll. This is the highest preseason rank in school history and ties for the highest rank in program history. Among MSFA Mid-East teams, only Saint Francis (Ind.) outranked the Cardinals at #3 overall. Marian received the #7 rank and rival Siena Heights received votes in the poll. MSFA Mid-West leader Saint Xavier checked in at #5 while Olivet Nazarene is receiving votes.
The Cardinals also received recognition in 2019 Street & Smith's College Football Yearbook NAIA Preview Top 10 preseason publication. The Cardinals were ranked #5 in the Street and Smith's poll with Donovan Corlew (JR/Cleveland, OH) also receiving preseason all-american recognition. The 2019 College Football America NAIA Preseason Top 30 was released as well with the Cardinals finding themselves #6 in that poll as well. This is the first time in program history that the Cardinals have been recognized in all three preseason polls.
2018 Season Review
Concordia finished 10-3 in 2018, setting a school record for wins in a season. The Cardinals jumped out to a 6-1 start which included a 7-3 victory over Saint Francis, the first win over the Cougars in program history. After defeating rival Siena Heights 21-10 to conclude the regular season, CUAA earned an at-large bid to the NAIA playoffs.
The Cardinals received a first round matchup against Reinhardt, a rematch of the 2017 first round match. Concordia earned a 31-21 victory and advanced to face Benedictine in the quarterfinals, falling 54-38.
2019 Schedule Outlook
Concordia will kick off the 2019 season on September 7 when they travel to NCAA Division II opponent Kentucky Wesleyan. The Cardinals will head to Olivet Nazarene the following week for an MSFA crossover match, and the team will hold their home opener on September 21 against the University of Saint Francis IL.
September 28 will see a key road contest when Concordia travels to MSFA Midwest opponent Saint Xavier, currently ranked #5 in the country. The Cardinals will begin MSFA Mideast division play when they host rival Siena Heights on October 5 for Homecoming.
October 12 and October 19 will see a tough road stretch when the Cardinals travel to Saint Francis (IN) and Marian on back-to-back weeks. The MSFA Mideast foes are currently ranked #3 and #7 respectively in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 poll. The month ends with another divisional match when the team hosts Taylor on October 26.
The Cardinals begin the month of November with a road game against MSFA newcomer Lawrence Tech on November 9. Concordia will conclude their regular season by celebrating Senior Day when they host Indiana Wesleyan on November 16.
If the Cardinals qualify for postseason play, they will begin the first round on November 23. This year's national championship game will be played at Grambling State University on December 21 and broadcast live on ESPN3.
Concordia Personnel
The Cardinals return many key players for the 2019 season. Senior quarterback Roger Engle (SR/Lorain, Ohio) is back after throwing for 2,254 yards and 16 TDs last year. Returning senior wide receiver Roderick Dailey (SR/Detroit, MI) led the team last year with 689 receiving yards and 5 TDs.
Senior wide receiver Clay Coltson (SR/Hastings, MI) finished third on the team last year with 322 receiving yards and 3 TDs. Senior wide receiver Brendan Beerer (SR/Royal Oak, MI ) notched 253 receiving yards and a TD last year. Sophomore running back Omar Sinclair (SO/Norcross, GA) returns after finishing second on the team with 469 rush yards and 5 TDs. Sinclair also made an impact on special teams with a team-leading 762 kick return yards and a TD. Sinclair will run behind a seasoned offensive line led by NAIA All-America Honorable Mention Donovan Corlew.
On defense, junior defensive back Ryan Fish (JR/Allen Park, MI) returns after leading the team with 5 INTs and finishing 4th with 70 tackles. Senior linebacker Reggie Thompson (SR/Chicago, IL) recorded 67 tackles last year and senior linebacker Amaan Payne (SR/Holt, MI) made 53 tackles. Senior defensive back Tarek Dalou (SR/Dearborn Heights, MI ) notched 50 tackles in 2018.
Many talented newcomers will be joining the team this year, helping to solidify the Cardinals' future.
2018 Team Stats
Connect with the Cardinals
For the most updated information and news throughout the season follow Concordia Football on their social media platforms. The Cardinals are on Twitter (@CUAA_Football), Instagram (@cuaa.football), Facebook (@CUAAFootball), and Snapchat (@cuaafootball). Fans can also subscribe for text alerts and the Cardinals YouTube page for video interviews from players and coaches.
