(Deland, FL) – Concordia football kicked off their season with a matchup at NCAA FCS Stetson on Saturday night. The Cardinals scored first and held a 7-3 lead after the first quarter, but Stetson held off a late CUAA comeback attempt to claim the 24-14 win.
Concordia kicked off to Stetson to begin the game. The Cardinals came up with a stop on 4th down in their own territory as a deep Stetson pass fell incomplete. Gavin Brooks took over and methodically led a successful opening drive. Heath Flower took a toss to the right side and powered for a 7-yard rushing touchdown.
The Cardinals held Stetson to a field goal later in the first quarter. Concordia drove into Hatters territory in the second quarter, but the team was stopped by an interception at the 2-yard line. Stetson responded with a 98-yard pass play to take a 10-7 lead.
Stetson added another touchdown before the half. The Cardinal defense stepped up when Gerald McHenry, Jr. came up with an interception in the final minute of play. CUAA trailed 17-7 at halftime.
Both teams traded defensive stops in the third quarter, but Stetson was able to add another scoring drive. The Cardinals continued to battle in the fourth quarter with Gerald McHenry, Jr. making two key pass breakups to force a turnover on downs.
Concordia's offense came alive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter when Gavin Brooks put together another scoring drive. Brooks lofted a jump ball in the endzone to Harmon Devries who dragged his foot in bounds for the touchdown.
The Cardinals' special teams nearly made a huge impact on the ensuing onside kick attempt. After faking their first kick attempt, Concordia's second kicker squibbed a well-placed ball that bounced high off the turf. The Cardinals narrowly touched the ball after it traveled 9 yards, nullifying the recovery.
Stetson was able to kneel out the clock and secure the hard-fought 24-14 win as time expired.
Concordia will now return to NAIA play when they host Saint Ambrose this upcoming Saturday, September 10. Kickoff will be at 1 PM on Ferry Field at Cardinal Stadium.
