(Upland, IN) Despite another strong performance from second string quarterback Tyler Fehler (SO/Fruitport, MI), the CUAA Football team dropped their second straight Mid-State Football Association contest, this one coming to the Trojans of Taylor University, 35-24. Concordia now owns a 4-4 overall record and a 1-2 conference mark.
CUAA jumped on the board in the opening quarter with the first of Fehler's three touchdown passes. Fehler connected with Herman Mason (SO/Lansing, MI) for 75 yards. Brayden Bennett (JR/Battle Creek, MI) completed the drive with a successful point after for a 7-0 lead.
Concordia forced the Trojans into a three and out in their ensuing possession.
The Cardinals capitalized on the following drive by chewing up the clock on a 12 play 53-yard drive. Bennett concluded the possession with a 42-yard field goal extending the CUAA lead at 10-0.
Taylor would answer back with a score of their own from inside the CUAA 20-yard line. After a Robby Robbins 76-yard kickoff return, Trojan quarterback Everett Pollard connected with Andrew Sheard for an 18-yard touchdown pass. The extra point grew the score closing at 10-7.
The momentum would continue to swing the Trojans favor after a Fehler pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. The 44-yard return put the score at 14-10 and the Trojans first lead of the day.
Taylor added to their inside three minutes left in the first half with a 13-yard touchdown pass. The extra point extended the Taylor lead to 21-10.
CUAA answered right back by marching 75 yards on 8 plays and a score. The drive was highlighted by a 23 yard Fehler pass to Herman Mason. Fehler orchestrated the drive by completed 5 of 7 passes for 73 yards. The Cardinals capped off the drive with a 9 yard touchdown connection from Fehler to Mason.
At the end of the half, the score remained in Taylor's favor at 21-17.
After a pair of broken drives to start the third, Taylor extended their lead with an 8-yard touchdown pass to put themselves up 28-17.
Concordia struck back quickly with a 61-yard touchdown pass to Corey Turner (SR/Woodhaven, MI) to the cut Trojan lead at 28-24.
Taylor would chew up the clock for most of the fourth keeping the ball away from a potent CUAA offense. The Trojans added one last score to their lead by way of a 13-yard touchdown pass from Everett Pollard to Shawn Lashbrook. The extra point added to the two possession game at 35-24.
Concordia struggled to find a rhythm on third down (2 for 13) for most of the day while the Trojans were efficient (10-17) and limited the Cardinals to only 15 offensive plays in the second half
Fehler finished the afternoon with 271 yards passing on 17 completions in 30 attempts. Fehler connected for 3 touchdowns on the day.
Herman Mason hauled in 3 catches for 107 yards and 2 scores. Corey Turner pulled in 4 passes for 87 yards and 1 score. Kevin Brown-Bayko (SO/Garden City, MI) led all receivers with 6 catches.
Defensively, Nick Holshoe (JR/Hopkins, MI) and Andrew O'Hara (FR/Cleveland, OH) collected 15 total tackles for the game with Holshoe adding to his nation leading interception total with 1. Hunter Cox (JR/Laurel, MD) grabbed 12 total tackles while Matthew Sears (SO/Ortonville, MI) chipped in with 11.
Concordia will be back home this Saturday as they play host to the tenth ranked team in the country in Marian University. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 at beautiful Cardinal Stadium.
For complete coverage of Cardinal Football, follow @CUAA_Football on Twitter or visit the official home of Concordia University Athletics at www.ConcordiaCardinals.com. You can also check out the official Twitter account of Concordia University Ann Arbor @CUAACardinals for live updates on all Concordia Athletics.
