Concordia Defeats Braves in Home Opener, Giving Daberkow First Win
Photos by Morgan German
Senior Tarence Roby on his way to make the touchdown that would tie the record for the longest interception return in the GPAC.
by Jacy Johnston
After a slow start on Saturday, Concordia football topped the Ottawa University Braves with a 24-6 victory.
The Braves found the endzone on a six-yard pass two minutes into the game. Ottawa did not convert on the extra point, and Concordia replied with a touchdown from sophomore Ryan Durdon. The Bulldogs converted the extra point to take the lead.
Defense held until halftime, when the score was 7-6.
The Bulldogs came out after the break and had control on both sides of the ball.
Senior wide receiver Kiyoshi Brey caught a 26-yard pass from junior quarterback Andrew Perea to make the score 13-6. An extra point gave the Bulldogs the two-possession lead when Senior kicker Brendan Cremin went to work again to give the Bulldogs a 17-6 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Senior Tarence Roby was the highlight of the fourth quarter. He put up the lone touchdown for the quarter after a 100-yard interception return.
“I thought I caught it on the one initially and I was just trying to escape any Ottawa players,” Roby said. “Once I realized I was still in the end zone, I knew I had to get out as soon as possible to not get a safety.”
The play has received national attention on Twitter and on ESPN. It ties the record for the longest interception return in the GPAC.
“I got caught with nowhere to go and thought I’d better run straight,” said Roby. “I broke a couple of tackles, got a few blocks and ended up with a lot of green grass in front of me.”
Roby’s touchdown and the extra point by Cremin solidified the 24-6 win for the Bulldogs. This was the first Bulldog victory under new coach Patrick Daberkow.
The Bulldogs move to 1-1 on the season, and begin their GPAC schedule next weekend. Concordia will travel to Orange City, IA to play Northwestern College on Saturday, Sept. 16.
