Bulldogs Come Up Short
by Garrett Suchanek
The Concordia football team’s upset bid fell short as the Bulldogs lost their first game of the year 17-14 at No. 9 Northwestern on Saturday, Sept. 19.
The Red Raiders struck first with a short touchdown pass midway through the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead.
In the second quarter, the Bulldogs got on the board. Concordia’s senior quarterback Garrett Folchert and sophomore wide receiver Jared Garcia worked together to make a 7-yard touchdown and tied the game 7-7.
Shortly after tying the game, the Bulldogs struck again, this time with a defensive score. Concordia’s junior defensive back LeDontrae Gooden intercepted a pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown to give the Bulldogs a 14-7 lead at the half.
To start the second half, the Bulldogs fumbled the opening kickoff and the Red Raiders recovered. Northwestern drilled a 44-yard field goal to cut the Bulldog’s lead to 14-10.
On Northwestern’s next possession, the Red Raiders regained the lead with a 15-yard touchdown pass for a 17-14 lead.
The Bulldogs tried to tie the game with a 45-yard field goal in the last 8 seconds. However, the kick missed wide left and the Red Raiders took the win.
Concordia will have a bye week before returning to action on Oct. 3 at Dordt College (Iowa). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
