(Adrian, MI) – Concordia football began the 2020 season when they went on the road to face rival Siena Heights in a noon kickoff. The Cardinals came into the game ranked #13 overall while the Saints checked in at #22. CUAA turned in a solid defensive performance and maintained a 10-7 lead to win their sixth straight match in the rivalry game.
Peter Morrison threw for 148 yards and a touchdown. Jacob Miller led the rushing attack with 35 yards on 8 carries. Donovan Johnson caught the game-winning touchdown while tying Parker Graham with a team-high 42 receiving yards.
On defense, Casey Rauch led the team with 8 tackles. Alex Hinojosa had an interception and tied Aaron Rahn with 6 tackles. Ryan Fish came up with a pick in the game as well.
Concordia received the opening kickoff to begin the game. While the Cardinals were forced to punt on their opening drive, Alex Hinojosa made an interception on Siena Heights' first play to get the ball back. After two rushes from Jacob Miller, Wyatt Mast drilled a 30-yard field goal to open scoring. The rest of the quarter was dominated by defense with both teams trading three-and-outs.
Punter Casey Rauch pinned Siena Heights at their own 4-yard line early in the 2nd quarter. The Cardinals went up 10-0 when Peter Morrison lofted a 42-yard touchdown pass to Donovan Johnson. However, Siena Heights countered on their next possession with a 70-yard touchdown to pull within 3 points. Concordia held a 10-7 lead at halftime.
Defense continued to dominate the second half. The Concordia defense forced two three-and-outs to begin the 3rd quarter and never allowed the Saints beyond midfield. CUAA remained ahead 10-7 after the 3rd.
The Cardinals continued a drive that led them into Siena Heights territory early in the 4th quarter, but the Saints made a 4th-down stop to force a turnover on downs. However, Ryan Fish made a well-positioned interception to give the ball back to the Cardinals.
The Concordia defense had to make a final stop on Siena Heights' last play of the game. Alex Hinojosa and Treyon Freeman made a sack on 2nd down and Casey Rauch clinched the victory with a sack on 4th down.
The Cardinals will hold their home opener against Marian on Saturday, March 6 at 1:00pm.
