Bulldogs Football Team Narrowly Loses Homecoming Game

Daniel Kuefner

Sower Staff

Concordia’s football team lost the homecoming and home-opening game of the season 21-17 against Hastings College on Saturday. Despite the loss, senior Karrell Koehlmoos tallied 143 yards on six receptions, scoring both of Concordia’s touchdowns.

Offensively, Concordia passed for 273 yards through the air from two different quarterbacks, leading to both of their touchdowns. Sophomore Austin Jablonski completed 10 of his 21 passes, racking up 159 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions. Later in the day sophomore D.J. McGarvie came in and completed 16 of 24 passes for 114 yards through the air. Concordia finished the game with a total of 49 rushing yards. The first half ended 10-2 after a Concordia touchdown and a safety forced by the Hastings defense.

Concordia had two defensive takeaways, both being interceptions by sophomore Isiaha Connor. Concordia’s defense held Hastings to 103 yards on the ground and allowed 191 yards through the air. The Bulldogs came out strong on defense, forcing a quick three and out on the first possession of the Broncos. After the Hastings punt, the Bulldogs were able to get a field goal after junior Devin Ziggler broke a big 28-yard rush.

The biggest factor in the outcome of the game was timely turnovers by Concordia and Hasting’s ability to transfer them into points. Concordia’s first drive in the fourth quarter resulted in a fumble that Hastings quickly turned into a touchdown, giving them the lead for the first time in the contest. Hastings held the lead at 21-17 for the rest of the game.

Concordia moves to a 0-2 record for the season and will be back in action next Saturday when they travel to Orange City, Iowa, to take on Northwestern College.