Parents Day Brings Victory Against Midland Warriors

by Clyde Ericson

The Concordia football team (5-3) celebrated Parents Day and a victory against No. 22 Midland Warriors on Oct. 22. This conference rivalry was expected to be a tight game and ended with a score of 20-14.n

The Bulldogs had a tough time converting on fourth down in the red zone to begin the game. By the end of the first quarter Concordia had 102 offensive yards and had held Midland to a gain of 0 yards, yet the score was tied 0-0. Senior Bryce Collins got into the endzone with 8:20 left in the first half. Junior Jared Garcia made his longest return of the season at a 38 yard punt return to set up a 26-yard touchdown strike from sophomore Riley Wiltfong to junior Kiyoshi Brey which made the score 14-0 at half.

Midland struck back early in the 3rd quarter to bring themselves within a score, but junior Brendan Cremin tacked on two field goals from 39 and 41 yards to make the score 20-7 going into the fourth quarter. With less than five seconds remaining, Midland threw a heave into the endzone and came down with it to make the final score 20-14.

With 102 receiving yards, Jared Garcia ranks number two on Concordia’s all-time career receiving yards list. Junior TJ Austin ran for 57 yards and threw for 87 yards. Riley Wiltfong threw 104 passing yards and a touchdown. Bryce Collins did not return to action after the second half due to injury but had 44 rushing yards and a touchdown. Senior Trey Barnes had seven tackles and two sacks. The Concordia defense held Midland to 234 offensive yards compared to the 537 yards that were given up against Dakota Wesleyan earlier in the season.

“I thought we really played hard,” coach Vance Winter said. “We made a few mistakes but I was really proud of our effort today. It was a great response from last week. It was a very good football team that we beat and I thought we dominated pretty much all game.”

Next Saturday the bulldogs will be traveling to Sioux Center, Iowa, to play Dordt College (4-4). Kickoff is planned for 1 p.m.