(Davenport, IA) – Concordia football began the 2021 season on Saturday afternoon when they made a long trip to Iowa to face off against Saint Ambrose. The Fighting Bees entered the game 1-1 after already competing in two games this year. CUAA jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first half and maintained their advantage in a 34-14 victory.
Gavin Brooks went 22-41 at the quarterback position, throwing for 267 yards and 3 TDs while rushing for one. Keirell Jackson rushed for 48 yards and a touchdown. Parker Graham led all receivers with 113 yards and a touchdown. Donovan Johnson and Dakota Hobbs each caught a TD while notching 48 and 36 receiving yards respectively.
On defense, Casey Rauch led Concordia with 10 tackles. Hunter Maynard finished second with 8 tackles and Andrew Foerster chipped in 7 tackles and a sack. Alonzo Johnson notched an interception in the game along with 3 tackles.
Concordia kicked off to Saint Ambrose to begin the game. The Cardinal defense stepped up immediately, forcing a three-and-out on the first series. Both teams exchanged defensive stops through most of the first quarter.
A 38-yard punt return by Dakota Hobbs set the Cardinals up just outside the redzone midway through the quarter. On just the second play of the offensive possession, quarterback Gavin Brooks found Donovan Johnson in the back of the endzone for a 20-yard touchdown.
Concordia converted again later in the first quarter when Gavin Brooks led an 11-play, 57-yard scoring drive. Brooks eventually connected with Parker Graham for a 12-yard touchdown reception, extending the team's lead. CUAA led 14-0 after the first quarter.
The Cardinal defense continued to maintain their shutout in the second quarter and the offense converted again to extend the lead. Gavin Brooks led an 8-play, 80-yard drive as time wound down with Parker Graham making a 55-yard reception to move the team downfield. Brooks eventually called his own number and rushed for a 2-yard touchdown.
Concordia had an opportunity in the final minute before halftime when Alonzo Johnson made an interception after multiple deflections and returned it to the Saint Ambrose 20-yard line. However, the Fighting Bees made an interception in the endzone to force a turnover of their own. CUAA headed to the locker room with a 21-0 lead.
Both teams traded defensive stops in the third quarter. Saint Ambrose drove into the redzone in Cardinal territory, but the defense stepped up and forced a missed field goal attempt. However, the Fighting Bees would manage to score a touchdown just before the third quarter ended to cut the CUAA lead to 21-7.
Saint Ambrose's Cade Gornzy broke a 67-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to pull within one score and tighten the game. Following the touchdown, the Fighting Bees received two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and were forced to kick off from their own 5-yard line. CUAA capitalized on the short field as Gavin Brooks eventually looked to his left and found Dakota Hobbs for an 8-yard touchdown reception.
Concordia's defense continued to hold and the Cardinals extended an offensive drive after Saint Ambrose received a 15-yard penalty for roughing punter Casey Rauch. Keviontae Brown and Keirell Jackson made steady runs downfield and Jackson punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to add to the lead.
The Cardinals made one final defensive stop in the final minute and secured the 34-14 win as time expired.
Concordia will hold their home opener against #20 Roosevelt next Saturday, September 18. Kickoff is set for 1pm.
