Presented by Team Rehabilitation
(Ann Arbor, MI) - Concordia football opened the 2024 season with an MSFA crossover game against Olivet Nazarene. The Cardinals battled hard and pulled within a touchdown in the second half, but the Tigers came away with a 35-14 win.
Colby Kohmescher threw for 115 yards and a touchdown. Brandon Stewart led the rushing attack with 42 yards and a touchdown. Te'Avion Warren led receivers with 132 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, Ben Tadych and Gabe Whitmore tied for the team lead with 10 tackles each. Ethan Burrows had a 52-yard interception return. David Cagle added a fumble recovery.
The Cardinals kicked off to Olivet Nazarene to begin the game. CUAA special teams made an impact with Ethan Burrows blocking a Tiger field goal attempt. Olivet Nazarene would score first to take the lead on their next series. CUAA trailed 7-0 after the first quarter.
The Tigers tacked on another touchdown early in the second quarter. A 67-yard punt from Dean Mason pinned Olivet Nazarene at their own 1-yard line later in the quarter. David Cagle eventually recovered a fumble on the series. Both teams traded defensive steps with Ethan Burrows making an interception in the endzone to end the first half. CUAA trailed 14-0 at halftime.
The Cardinal defense held Olivet Nazarene to a missed field goal early in the third quarter. CUAA got on the board with a 12-play, 80-yard drive on the next series. Colby Kohmescher found Te'Avion Warren for a 24-yard touchdown strike to cap the drive. Olivet Nazarene countered with a kickoff return touchdown and led 21-7 after the third quarter.
Olivet Nazarene scored again early in the fourth quarter. The Cardinals answered with a 6-play, 66-yard drive with Te'Avion Warren making a 37-yard reception to move the offense down the field. Brandon Stewart eventually punched in a 5-yard rushing touchdown to finish the drive.
CUAA continued to battle hard, but Olivet Nazarene claimed a 35-14 win as time expired.
The Cardinals will remain at home next Saturday, September 7th, when they host Defiance College at 1pm.
