(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia football hosted Lawrence Tech as the university celebrated homecoming on Saturday afternoon. The Cardinals turned in a solid performance, pitching a shutout in the first half and bringing home a 44-21 win.
Jalen Smith threw for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns while also rushing for a touchdown. Brandon Stewart rushed for a career-best 149 yards and 2 touchdowns while also catching a 34-yard TD. Seeger DeGayner led all receivers with 59 yards. Harmon Devries added 22 receiving yards and a touchdown.
On defense, Liam Karry led the team with 7 tackles. Gabe Whitmore finished second with 6 tackles. Colby Kohmescher and Darius Arrington tied for third 5 tackles each. Andrew Wiemer notched 2 interceptions while Alonzo Johnson recorded a "pick 6" and Chase Maynard added an INT.
The Cardinals kicked off to begin the game and forced a three-and-out on LTU's first possession. Taking advantage of a short field, Jalen Smith was able to find running back Brandon Stewart for a 34-yard touchdown and an early lead.
After Concordia special teams blocked a punt on the next series, the offense capitalized again when Brandon Stewart punched in a 21-yard rushing touchdown. Jalen Smith ran in a 2-pt conversion to put CUAA up 14-0.
Chase Maynard came up with an interception on the next possession. After several defensive stops, a short Lawrence Tech punt gave the Cardinals the ball on the Blue Devils' 30-yard line. Quarterback Jalen Smith continued to use his legs with a 9-yard rushing touchdown to cap the drive.
Both defenses held strong through most of the second quarter. After a Casey Rauch punt pinned LTU at their 4-yard line, Alonzo Johnson eventually made a 9-yard "pick 6" to extend the team's lead. Andrew Wiemer added another interception before halftime and CUAA headed to the locker room up 27-0.
Seeing his first action at kicker, Casey Rauch booted a 30-yard field goal to open the third quarter. Lawrence Tech countered with a 65-yard rushing touchdown to break the shutout.
The Cardinals converted again later in the quarter when Jalen Smith found Harmon Devries for a 22-yard touchdown strike. Concordia special teams made an impact on the ensuing kickoff when Hayden Kermode recovered a fumble.
Brandon Stewart capped a scoring drive to start the fourth quarter, running to his left through a hole and scoring a 4-yard rushing TD. While LTU added one more touchdown, the Cardinal defense held strong with Andrew Wiemer adding his second interception in the final seconds.
Concordia will travel to Madonna next Saturday, November 5 at 12:30 pm.
