Moorhead, MN. – The St. Scholastica Football team took to the field against Concordia College on Saturday, September 28, on Concordia Homecoming's Day. In a highly anticipated matchup. Both teams showed early signs of determination, setting the stage for a competitive match.
How it Happened
First Quarter
The Saints' defense set the tone early. Anthony Vue made a strategic stop that resulted in an eight-yard loss, pushing the Cobbers back to their 18-yard line. Austin Mundt (Deer River, Minn./Deer River HS) followed up by sacking Cobbers' quarterback, Cooper Mattern, for a seven-yard loss, pinning them at their eight-yard line and maintaining pressure throughout the quarter.
Second Quarter
The momentum shifted when the Saints mishandled the ball at their 30-yard line, setting up a touchdown drive for the Cobbers. Despite the turnover, the Saints responded quickly. Donald West (St. Paul, Minn./Woodbury HS (Iowa Central)) connected with Schlender on a 40-yard pass, moving the ball deep into Cobbers' territory at the 32-yard line. Though they could not convert on third down, the Saints' offense was showing promise. On defense, Henry Eilefson (New Brighton, Minn./Irondale HS) sacked Mattern for a 4-yard loss, keeping up the pressure.
Schlender led the Saints' rushing attack with a 22-yard run to their 44-yard line. Shortly after, West added a crucial seven-yard scramble to the Cobbers' 45-yard line. However, the Cobbers' defense made key stops to prevent further scoring opportunities.
Third Quarter
The Cobbers began to push back in the third quarter, which had started quietly with missed passes and failed rushing attempts. Cooper Mattern made a critical eight-yard run on fourth-and-three, advancing the Cobbers to the Saints' 30-yard line. Eilefson continued his stellar defensive play, sacking Mattern again for a four-yard loss. The momentum shifted again when Iza Hutchinson intercepted a pass at the Saints' 25-yard line, halting the Cobbers' drive and marking the biggest defensive play of the quarter.
Fourth Quarter
The Saints opened the fourth quarter with another strong defensive stand, but the offense struggled to capitalize on field position. Schlender had an 11-yard rush, bringing the Saints to their 37-yard line, but the Cobbers' defense made crucial stops to stall the drive. Penalties further hindered the Saints' progress.
A highlight of the quarter came when Donald West (St. Paul, Minn./Woodbury HS (Iowa Central)) connected with Alec Ralph (Houston, TX) on a 35-yard pass, moving the ball to the Cobbers' 17-yard line. West followed up with a seven-yard pass to Ricky Weber (Roseville, Minn./Roseville HS), but a costly holding penalty wiped out a potential scoring opportunity, pushing the Saints back to the 20-yard line.
The Saints' final drive ended as time expired, unable to overcome the Cobbers' defense, sealing the final score at 35-0.
Up Next
The Blue and Gold will return home for their Homecoming game next weekend on Saturday, October 5 at 1 p.m. at Walt Hunting Stadium-Marv Heikkinen Field. The Saints will face Macalester College.
