Bulldog Football Overpowered by Midland in Homecoming Game
By Nicholas Boys
The Concordia University football team was defeated 35-7 at home on Saturday afternoon by Midland University during Concordia’s homecoming game.
The Bulldogs continued their offensive struggles while the defense had a tough day trying to contain the Warrior offense led by dual-threat quarterback Payton Nelson. The Bulldog offense was led by Jake Kemp, who threw for 163 yards and a touchdown.
“We struggled with pass protection early on in the game, which made it hard to establish a pass or a run game,” junior running back Ryan Durdon said. “Their linemen were very good, and their linebackers did a great job of rallying to the ball, which made it tough for us.”
While it was tough to establish an offensive flow on the ground or in the air for the Bulldogs, it was arguably their most successful offensive day throwing the football so far this season. The Bulldogs fell behind early trailing 21-0 at half leading to an increased passing attack in the second half. Vincent Beasley collected five receptions for 63 yards while Arthur Anderson hauled in five receptions of his own, including one for the lone Bulldog touchdown.
On the other side of the ball, Nelson and the rest of the Warrior offense moved the ball up and down the field with ease. They outgained the Bulldogs in total yardage 507-274 which was led by Nelson, who contributed 242 through the air and another 74 on the ground. The Bulldogs were unable to contain wide receiver Mike Seawell, who had five catches for 136 yards and a touchdown, as well as running back Lukas Vopnford who contributed two touchdowns for the Warriors. Lane Napier again led the way on defense for the Bulldogs with ten tackles (two for loss) and a sack.
The Bulldogs will look to bounce back next weekend when they travel to Sioux Center, Iowa, for a showdown with Dordt College (2-1). Midland will look to jump back into the national top 25 poll this week before a matchup with Jamestown at home.
