(Ann Arbor, MI) The Concordia Football team appeared to be in position for the team's 6th win of the season for much of Saturday's game against Lindenwood University-Belleville, but a strong final quarter by the Lynx pushed the visitors to victory. Despite the disappointing end to their season, the Cardinals still finish what turned out to be the best year in program history having earned a 5-6 record (2-4 MSFA Mideast).
The Cardinals controlled the first half of play outgaining the Lynx in total yardage 193 to 132 scoring on three drives. Concordia got on the scoreboard first with a 28 yard field goal by Brayden Bennet on their first drive. After a quick 3 and out, the Cards put together a 60-yard drive completed by an 8-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Fehler (SO/Fruitport, MI) to Corey Turner (SR/Woodhaven, MI).
The defense played a solid first half turning the Lynx over on downs three times, recovering two turnovers, and forcing a punt. The only blemish was a touchdown that came with 2:53 left in the second quarter. The offense responded with another Fehler to Turner touchdown, this time for 9 yards, to take a 17-8 halftime advantage.
Concordia came out in the second half and picked up where they left off. The Cardinals reached the end zone for the third time of the day when Ashton Gray (JR/Detroit, MI) punched in a 3 yard run. The drive was highlighted by the offense's longest play of the day—a Herman Mason (SO/Lansing, MI) rush for 50 yards on an end-around play.
The momentum shift came with 0:42 left in the first quarter. With the Cardinals on their own 35, Fehler's pass was intercepted by the Lynx Trey Parker who returned it for a touchdown. The play sparked a fourth quarter that would bring Lindenwood 242 total yards of offense and 3 touchdowns.
The only bright spot for the Cardinals in the fourth quarter came on the legs of Girard Lewis (SO/Lansing, MI). With 7:41 remaining Lewis rushed 43 yards for the score and gave the team what appeared to be a convincing 31-20 lead.
But Lindenwood put together 2 more touchdown drives the last of which came with only 48 seconds left in the game. The Cardinals were unable to get within field goal range with the limited time and lost the contest by a score of 31-34.
Fehler finished the day 21 of 37 for 156 yards with 2 TD and 1 INT. On the ground he recorded 16 rushes for 123 yards. Both touchdowns were to Turner who had 7 catches for 55 yards.
On the defense, Kaleb Pohlman (SO/Liberty Center, OH) led the Cardinals with 12 tackles and 1 sack. Nick Holshoe (JR/Hopkins, MI) contributed 11 tackles and his NAIA leading 9th interception.
Concordia would like to thank the 6 seniors who are played in their final collegiate football game today: Vigilio Burgo, Matt Krogan, Kane McGirt (SO/Ann Arbor, MI), Ashtin Napolitano (SR/Westland, MI), Ty Parker, and Corey Turner. Your dedication on and off the field to the football program and the university has been greatly appreciated. Congratulations on your successful career and God's blessings in your life after graduation!
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.
