(Columbia, KY) – Concordia football competed in the second round of the NAIA playoffs when they traveled to face Lindsey Wilson. The #5-ranked Cardinals came in 6-0 after a 21-7 victory over Georgetown last weekend. The #3-ranked Blue Raiders entered 8-0, downing Bethel 42-10 to earn their spot in the game. CUAA jumped out to an early lead after Seeger DeGayner returned the opening kickoff, but Lindsey Wilson used a strong offensive performance to pull away for a 49-27 win.
Peter Morrison threw for 275 yards and 3 touchdowns in the game while also leading the team with 39 rushing yards. Luke Wilson led the receiving corps with 97 yards and a touchdown. Ahmad Clay had 2 receiving touchdowns and 38 yards.
On defense, Conner Long and Hunter Maynard tied for the team high with 11 tackles apiece. Andrew Foerster and Ryan Fish tied for second with 8 tackles each.
Concordia received the opening kickoff to begin the game and special teams made an immediate impact. Seeger DeGayner found an opening and broke a 96-yard touchdown run, giving the Cardinals an early 7-0 lead. Lindsey Wilson countered by scoring on their opening possession to tie the game.
The Blue Raiders forced a fumble on the next series and capitalized with another touchdown drive to take the lead. After forcing a defensive stop, Lindsey Wilson continued to show their prowess on offense with another scoring drive to go ahead 21-7.
The Blue Raiders extended their lead in the 2nd quarter with a lengthy drive to make the score 28-7. In the final minutes of the half, the Cardinals drove into Lindsey Wilson territory. Peter Morrison broke a 9-yard rush and found both Ahmad Clay and Donovan Johnson for first downs. After making it to the 27-yard line, the Blue Raiders came up with an interception to send the game to halftime.
Both teams traded defensive stops to begin the 3rd quarter. Lindsey Wilson was able to extend their lead with a deep touchdown pass to extend their lead, but the Cardinals countered with a 12-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Luke Wilson made 4 catches to move the team downfield and then caught a 2-yard play action touchdown pass from Peter Morrison.
Trailing 35-14, Concordia attempted a surprise onside kick and successfully recovered it. However, a deep pass by Peter Morrison was intercepted by the Blue Raiders' defense to force a turnover. Lindsey Wilson capitalized with a 15-play, 64-yard drive to lead 42-14 in the first minutes of the 4th quarter.
Concordia responded with an 8-play, 75-yard drive to stay in the game. Peter Morrison eventually found Ahmad Clay over the middle for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 42-21. The Cardinals attempted another onside kick, but the ball was recovered by the Blue Raiders.
Lindsey Wilson added another late touchdown, but Concordia was able to make one last scoring drive before their season was over. Peter Morrison led an 8-play, 61-yard scoring drive and connected with Ahmad Clay in the end zone for the duo's second touchdown connection as time expired. CUAA fell by a final score of 49-27.
Concordia concludes their season 6-1 overall.
