2020 Football Schedule/Results

4-4 overall | 4-4 GPAC | Season Stats | Roster

Date	Opponent	Location	Time	Record
Sept. 12	*Doane University	Crete, Neb.	W, 24-7	1-0, 2-0
Sept. 19	*Hastings College (Super Fan Recognition)	Seward, Neb.	W, 34-28 (OT)	2-0, 2-0
Sept. 26	*Briar Cliff University	Sioux City, Iowa	W, 24-9	3-0, 3-0
Oct. 3	*University of Jamestown (Homecoming)	Seward, Neb.	W, 23-3	4-0, 4-0
Oct. 17	*Northwestern College	Orange City, Iowa	L, 17-31	4-1, 4-1
Oct. 24	*Dordt University	Seward, Neb.	L, 14-41	4-2, 4-2
Nov. 7	*Morningside College (Senior Day)	Seward, Neb.	L, 22-56	4-3, 4-3
Nov. 14	*Midland University	Fremont, Neb.	CANCELED
Nov. 21	*Dakota Wesleyan University	Mitchell, S.D.	L, 17-28	4-4, 4-4

2020 Roster

No.	Name		Pos.	Yr.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown	Previous School
1	Arthur	Anderson	WR	Sr.	6-1	182	San Antonio, Texas	Wagner HS
1	Daniel	Cantu	K	Sr.	5-10	199	Eagle Lake, Texas	Rice HS
2	Caydren	Cox	OLB	Sr.	6-1	210	Beloit, Kan.	Beloit HS
2	Blake	Culbert	QB	Jr.	6-4	210	Garden Grove, Calif.	Rancho Alamitos HS
3	Jayzen	Armstrong	DB	Jr.	5-8	155	Casa Grande, Ariz.	Vista Grande HS
3	Cayden	Beran	WR	Jr.	6-3	180	Hutto, Texas	Hutto HS
4	Brady	Fitzke	TE	Sr.	6-7	225	Seward, Neb.	Seward HS / U. of Nebraska Kearney
4	Jourdhin	Smith	DB	So.	5-10	155	La Mirada, Calif.	John Glenn HS
5	Kamren	Baker	DB	So.	5-11	180	San Antonio, Texas	Samuel Clemens HS / Blinn CC
5	Korrell	Koehlmoos	WR	Jr.	6-2	193	Pilger, Neb.	Lutheran High Northeast
6	Carson	Core	WR	So.	5-10	166	Seward, Neb.	Seward HS
7	Wyatt	Ehlers	QB	So.	5-10	210	Waco, Neb.	Centennial HS
7	Peyton	Mitchell	DB	Sr.	6-3	206	Waverly, Kan.	Waverly HS
8	Jorge	Ochoa	ILB	Sr.	5-11	214	Beaumont, Texas	West Brook HS
8	Cade	Peterson	QB	So.	6-3	183	Glendale, Ariz.	Raymond S. Ellis HS
9	Jacob	Flores	WR	Sr.	5-9	172	Sun Valley, Calif.	John H. Francis Poly
9	Payton	Stevens	DL	Jr.	6-5	243	Polk, Neb.	High Plains HS
10	Joshua	Sagehorn	S	Fr.	6-2	198	Seward, Neb.	Seward HS
10	Cole	Schaedel	WR	Jr.	6-1	172	Lincoln, Neb.	Lincoln Lutheran HS
11	Lane	Castaneda	WR	Sr.	6-3	193	San Antonio, Texas	James Madison HS
11	Jorre	Luther	K	Jr.	5-9	161	York, Neb.	York HS
12	Ben	Myers	QB	Fr.	6-3	205	Seward, Neb.	Seward HS
12	Blake	Sears	DB	Jr.	5-11	160	Crete, Neb.	Crete HS
13	Carsen	Arline	WR	So.	5-10	175	Nederland, Texas	Nederland HS
13	Isiaha	Conner	DB	Fr.	6-2	175	Las Vegas, Nev.	Centennial HS / Trinity Valley CC
14	Kayle	Carlson	ILB	Jr.	5-10	210	Malcolm, Neb.	Malcolm Public Schools
14	Luke	Lang	QB	Jr.	6-3	226	Brentwood, Calif.	Heritage HS
15	Luke	Sanchez	S	Fr.	6-0	175	Friendswood, Texas	Friendswood HS
15	Garrett	Schardt	TE	Jr.	6-3	207	Davenport, Neb.	Bruning-Davenport-Shickley HS
16	Matthew	Holmes	QB	So.	6-4	192	San Diego, Calif.	Mt. Carmel HS / Mesa CC
17	Trevor	Dey	WR	Jr.	6-2	200	Gresham, Neb.	Centennial HS
17	Myles	Lyons	DB	Fr.	6-1	155	Fort Worth, Texas	South Hills HS
18	Blake	Stewart	DB	Sr.	5-7	196	Ault, Colo.	Highland HS
18	Kaiston	Terry	WR	So.	6-1	174	Lubbock, Texas	Ropes HS
19	Zac	Dowgiallo	QB	So.	5-10	170	Viera, Fla.	Viera HS
19	Nate	Moore	OLB	So.	6-0	192	Atwater, Calif.	Atwater HS
20	AJ	Jenkins	S	So.	6-2	184	Wilcox, Neb.	Wilcox-Hildreth HS
20	Martin	Solano	RB	So.	6-0	214	Riverside, Calif.	Norte Vista HS
21	Jaxson	Kant	OLB	Fr.	5-11	192	Norfolk, Neb.	Lutheran High Northeast
21	Nick	Sandoval	ILB	Sr.	6-0	190	Chula Vista, Calif.	Del Rey Center HS
22	Shayne	Campbell	LB	Jr.	6-1	190	O'Neill, Neb.	O'Neill HS
22	Wyatt	Kube	DL	So.	5-9	213	Fairmont, Minn.	Martin Luther HS
23	Lane	Napier	LB	Sr.	6-0	220	David City, Neb.	Aquinas HS
24	Lou	Carnazzo	RB	Fr.	5-9	190	Gretna, Neb.	Gretna HS
24	Karsten	McCarter	S	Fr.	5-10	162	Elm Creek, Neb.	Elm Creek Public Schools
25	Hiroshi	Brey	S	So.	5-10	179	Winchester, Calif.	Chaparral HS
25	Jonah	Weyand	RB	So.	5-11	203	Crete, Neb.	Crete HS
26	Devin	Zeigler	RB	So.	5-8	179	Houston, Texas	Cy-Fair HS
27	Davonte	Mouton	TE	Jr.	6-2	230	Crosby, Texas	Ross S. Sterling, HS
28	Matt	Kamm	DB	So.	5-9	165	Bethlehem, Ga.	Bethlehem Christian Academy
29	Taygen	Fletcher	WR	Fr.	5-9	160	Holton, Kan.	Holton HS
30	Hunter	Cole	RB	Fr.	6-1	192	Decatur, Texas	Decatur HS
30	Stirling	Tonniges	ILB	Sr.	6-0	209	Ord, Neb.	Ord HS
31	Arcullous	Heard III	RB	So.	5-11	224	Maryland Heights, Mo.	Lutheran HS of St. Charles
32	Lyle	Whitney	RB	So.	6-0	201	Newcastle, Wyo.	Newcastle HS
33	Logan	Srna	OLB	Jr.	5-10	180	Culver, Kan.	Tescott HS
34	Fisher	Bass	WR	Fr.	5-8	150	Hideaway, Texas	Brook Hill HS
34	Chase	Hammons	DL	Sr.	6-2	230	Columbus, Neb.	Columbus HS
35	Logan	Kreizel	OLB	Jr.	6-4	222	Lincoln, Neb.	Lincoln Lutheran HS
36	Mason	Edwards	RB	Fr.	5-11	205	Wichita, Kan.	Maize South HS
36	Isaac	Wilson	S	Fr.	5-11	180	St. Louis, Mo.	Lutheran HS South
37	James	Araya	K	Fr.	5-9	145	The Woodlands, Texas	The John Cooper School
38	Zach	Walker	FB	Sr.	6-1	256	Dacono, Colo.	Broomfield HS
39	Lukas	Coe	ILB	So.	6-1	210	Omaha, Neb.	Concordia HS / Iowa Western CC
39	Chevy	Stout	FB	Sr.	5-11	231	Grand Island, Neb.	North West HS
40	Nathan	Hofrock	TE	Fr.	5-10	234	Sidney, Neb.	Sidney HS
40	Payton	Kidder	OLB	Sr.	6-2	225	Holdrege, Neb.	Holdrege HS
41	Dominic	Sis	S	Fr.	5-10	165	Benkelman, Neb.	Dundy County HS
42	Gabriel	Knisely	DB	Fr.	6-0	202	Goehner, Neb.	Seward HS
43	Dylan	Rahder	DL	Jr.	5-11	277	York, Neb.	York HS
44	Christian	Dyhrkopp	ILB	Fr.	6-0	220	Columbus, Neb.	Columbus HS
45	Juan R.	Leon	FB	So.	5-9	220	Columbus, Neb.	Columbus HS
45	Jack	Sanchez	CB	Fr.	5-9	205	Laredo, Texas	United HS
46	Michael	Doiel	S	Fr.	6-0	185	Manhattan, Kan.	Manhattan HS
47	JT	Baughman	S	Fr.	5-10	177	Eaton, Colo.	Roosevelt HS
48	Liam	Carr	S	Fr.	5-9	162	Broken Arrow, Okla.	Immanuel Lutheran Christian
49	Gabe	Ellis	ILB	Fr.	6-1	205	Kingsdown, Kan.	Bucklin HS
50	Leonardo	Guevara	OL	Jr.	5-11	215	Glendora, Calif.	Glendora HS / San Jose State
51	Matt	Preuss	ILB	Sr.	5-10	196	Placentia, Calif.	Lutheran HS
51	Dawson	Younker	OL	Fr.	6-1	250	Celina, Texas	Celine HS
52	Anthony	Boose	DL	Fr.	5-10	206	Manvel, Texas	Manvel HS
52	Brandon	Vega	OL	Jr.	5-11	248	Emporia, Kan.	Emporia HS
53	Kougar	Rodriguez	ILB	Jr.	5-10	220	Midland, Texas	Robert E. Lee HS
53	Cameron	Roulston	OL	Fr.	6-1	286	Corpus Christi, Texas	London ISD
54	Cole	Baumgartner	OL	Sr.	6-2	304	San Antonio, Texas	Smithson Valley HS
54	Devin	Hines	ILB	So.	5-10	260	Ault, Colo.	Highland HS
55	Justin	Brown	ILB	Fr.	6-0	244	Tyler, Texas	Robert E. Lee HS
55	James	Luehr	OL	Fr.	6-0	286	Erie, Colo.	Prospect Ridge HS
56	Keon	Waters	OLB	So.	6-0	205	Arlington, Texas	Arlington HS
57	Jayden	Brosius	DL	So.	6-1	220	North Platte, Neb.	St. Patrick's HS
57	Jordan	Spilinek	K	So.	5-10	165	Doniphan, Neb.	Doniphan-Trumbull HS
58	Zak	Salinas	ILB	Fr.	5-10	211	Pearland, Texas	Pearland HS
58	Christian	Schlepp	OL	So.	6-1	237	Manhattan, Kan.	Manhattan HS
59	Kalen	Garrett	OLB	So.	6-0	186	Norfolk, Neb.	Doniphan-Trumbull HS
60	Johnny	Robinson III	OL	Jr.	5-10	279	Houston, Texas	Eisenhower HS
62	Brady	Soukup	OL	Fr.	5-10	236	Blair, Neb.	Blair HS
63	Keegan	Hornung	OL	Jr.	6-0	284	Chandler, Ariz.	Williamsfield HS
64	Benjamin	Rakoski	DL	Sr.	6-2	347	Alton, Ill.	Alton HS
65	Alex	Helfrich	OL	Fr.	6-0	296	Omaha, Neb.	Omaha Concordia HS
66	Toby	Hager	LS	So.	6-2	240	Buena Park, Calif.	Sunny Hills HS
67	Christopher	Blount	OL	Fr.	6-0	376	St. Louis, Mo.	Ritenour HS
69	Josiah	Perez	OL	Fr.	6-1	340	Cisco, Texas	Hutto HS / Cisco College
70	Jarryd	Doucet	OL	Fr.	6-4	228	Beaumont, Texas	West Brook HS
71	Landon	Hall	OL	Fr.	6-1	270	Cape Girardeau, Mo.
72	Tyler	Walford	OL	Fr.	6-1	287	Lincoln, Kan.	Ellsworth HS
73	Kaden	Peters	OL	Fr.	6-3	257	Wood River, Neb.	Wood River HS
75	Angus	Poulsen	OL	Fr.	6-3	246	Broomfield, Colo.	Broomfield HS
76	Nick	Sazama	OL	So.	6-4	324	Norfolk, Neb.	Norfolk HS
77	Gavin	Mull	OL	So.	6-3	260	Roanoke, Texas	Byron Nelson HS
78	Brandon	Patterson	OL	Fr.	6-4	295	Surprise, Ariz.	Barry Goldwater HS
79	Braden	Hackmer	OL	Fr.	5-9	284	Hungerford, Texas	Boling HS
80	Javriel	Dillard	DL	Fr.	6-0	292	Aubrey, Texas	Little Elm HS
81	Erik	Cumley	WR	So.	5-11	193	Strasburg, Colo.	Lutheran HS
83	Daylan	Russell	TE	Fr.	6-3	190	Alma, Neb.	Alma HS
84	Trevor	Reeves	TE	Fr.	6-0	230	Seward, Neb.	Seward HS
85	Xavier	Jackson	DL	Fr.	6-1	195	Riverside, Calif.	Park Hill HS
86	Jaylin	Whitelaw	WR	Fr.	5-9	169	Kansas City, Mo.	University Academy
87	Colton	Munoz	DL	Fr.	5-10	217	Kilgore, Texas	Pine Tree HS
88	Wyatt	Cast	TE	So.	6-5	195	York, Neb.	York HS
89	Gideon	Schauer	TE	So.	6-4	218	Union, Ill.	Faith Lutheran HS
91	Tyler	Duncan	OLB	Fr.	6-1	189	Kansas City, Mo.	Park Hill HS
92	Eric	Kieper Jr.	DL	So.	6-2	250	Lacombe, La.	Lakeshore HS
93	Karson	Dickson	DL	Jr.	6-4	225	Carleton, Neb.	BDS HS / NW Missouri State
94	Joseph	Seger	DL	Fr.	6-1	280	Atkinson, Neb.	West Holt HS
95	Gerald	Morris	DL	Jr.	6-1	260	Arlington, Texas	Arlington HS
96	Carson	Stauffer	DL	Fr.	6-2	215	Milford, Neb.	Milford HS
97	Stephen	Hughes II	DL	Fr.	6-1	245	Denver, Colo.	Columbine HS
98	Jordan	Kavulak	DL	Fr.	6-3	230	Bee, Neb.	Seward HS
99	Kalvin	Page	DL	Jr.	5-11	251	Omaha, Neb.	Omaha Northwest HS

STAFF

Patrick Daberkow, Head Coach

Corby Osten, Defensive Coordinator

Reggie Corbin, Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks

Wes Coomes, Special Teams Coordinator / JV Head Coach

D'Mauria Martin, Graduate Assistant (Defensive Assistant)

Grady Koch, Graduate Assistant (Offensive Line)

Von Thomas, Running Backs

Courtney Meyer, Kickers / Punters / Long Snappers

Ron Jackson, Defensive Tackles

Riley Wiltfong, Quarterbacks

Justin Hoffman, Defensive Line

Trent Olds, Fullbacks/Tight Ends

Karl Miller, Defensive Backs

Chris Shipley, Linebackers

Todd Berner, Director of Strength and Conditoning

Eric Lundberg, Athletic Trainer

Riley Freeland, Student Coach

Bulldogs land at No. 7 in GPAC preseason football poll

August 20

GPAC Football Preseason Coaches’ Poll

SEWARD, Neb. – In rankings that look nearly identical to a the final 2019 standings, the 2020 GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll has slotted the Concordia Football team in at No. 7. The Bulldogs generated 37 points in the poll that was released on Wednesday (Aug. 26) by the conference. Concordia placed seventh in the GPAC last season when it went 3-6 in league play.

The 2020 season will mark year four of Patrick Daberkow’s tenure as head coach. The Bulldogs bring back seven starters on offense and five on defense. The most highly regarded among the returners is linebacker Lane Napier, named a preseason NAIA All-American by Street & Smith’s. Other returning all-conference performers include receiver Cayden Beran (second team), safety Peyton Mitchell (second team) and receiver/punter Lane Castaneda (honorable mention).

Preseason practice began on Aug. 15 and has continued uninterrupted to this point. The team also held an intra-squad scrimmage this past Saturday. So far, Daberkow is pleased with what he has observed.

“I am encouraged to see the progress with certain position groups,” Daberkow said. “I am encouraged by football stuff. When it comes to COVID we are following all the protocols and keeping our guys safe. We do not want to just keep them safe from COVID stuff, we want to keep them safe from a holistic standpoint. We want to make sure activities are available for them because that is huge for mental and physical health. We are taking total precautions, but we are also pressing forward with staying after it.”

The season opener is slated for Saturday, Sept. 12 at Doane. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT from Crete.

2020 GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll
*First-place votes in parentheses

1. Morningside – 81 (9)
2. Northwestern – 73 (1)
3. Dordt – 60
3. Midland – 60
5. Briar Cliff – 44
6. Doane – 38
7. Concordia – 37
8. Hastings – 23
9. Dakota Wesleyan – 22
10. Jamestown – 12

Season preview: 2020 Concordia Football

aug, 28

Head coach: Patrick Daberkow (12-18, 4th year)
2019 Record: 3-7 overall; 3-6 GPAC (7th)
Key Returners: WR Art Anderson; OL Cole Baumgartner; WR Cayden Beran; WR/P Lane Castaneda; OL Keegan Hornung; DB AJ Jenkins; WR Korrell Koehlmoos; DB Peyton Mitchell; OL Gavin Mull; LB Lane Napier; OL Johnny Robinson.
Key Losses: LB Riley Bilstein; RB Ryan Durdon; DL Kaleb Geiger; DB Johnny Johnson; QB Jake Kemp; DL Aaron Rudloff; LB Derek Tachovsky; LB Zac Walter.
2019 NAIA All-America: Lane Napier (AFCA Honorable Mention).
2019 GPAC All-Conference: Lane Napier (First Team); Cayden Beran (Second Team); Peyton Mitchell (Second Team); Aaron Rudloff (Second Team); Derek Tachovsky (Second Team); Riley Bilstein (Honorable Mention); Lane Castaneda (Honorable Mention); Zac Walter (Honorable Mention).

Outlook
As of Friday (Aug. 28), the 2020 Concordia University Football team had successfully navigated through nearly two weeks of preseason preparation. Any time members of the team break down as groups in practice, onlookers will hear Head Coach Patrick Daberkow holler, “helicopter,” reminding his players to spread their arms and keep six feet apart. It’s just one example of how college football looks different in 2020.

While the Big Ten may have called off fall football in what has been a controversial decision, the GPAC remains committed to pulling off a conference-only regular season beginning Sept. 12. For those fortunate enough to qualify, the NAIA football playoffs will kick off in April 2021. Daberkow is adamant in regards to the benefits of competing this fall.

“They came to college to play football for a reason,” Daberkow said. “Football teaches a lot of life lessons. I learned a lot from being on the team, being part of the locker room and being out on the field. They recognize that as well. They want to be together and reach these goals that we have had. I am a big believer in getting back to it and after it. It is what I think is best not just for our football players but for people everywhere.”

The Bulldogs believe their offseason work in the strength and conditioning department will pay off after back-to-back campaigns with 3-7 overall records. As Daberkow put it, “when two people collide, the weight room wins.” Improved strength and an abundance of experience across the offensive line may be the difference in the close games that have slipped through Concordia’s fingers over the past couple of seasons.

Led by All-American inside linebacker Lane Napier, the 2019 defense was quite solid in holding opponents to averages of 22.2 points per game and 4.6 yards per play. Conversely, the offense needs to spring to life a ground game that managed only 1.8 yards per rush last season. The Bulldogs bring back four offensive linemen with starting experience, making the unit as veteran as it has been since Ryan Durdon’s breakout season in 2017.

“We want to be able to get yards when we need to get yards in the run game,” Daberkow said. “That has not been the case the last two years. Offensive line wise we had to develop to the point where we can start expecting way more than we have gotten from them in the past. We have a high standard for them. It is growing higher and they have to do better. You watch our film from the last two years and we have not been good enough up front. They all know that. They are stepping up. I have seen improved play so far. I really expect to see that unit improve.”

The quarterback derby continues during preseason camp. Holdovers with varsity experience include senior Blake Culbert, sophomore Wyatt Ehlers and junior Luke Lang. Receiver Art Anderson has even wore the yellow jersey this fall. Daberkow says he’s looking for leadership and poise under pressure while evaluating the prospects at quarterback. Anderson is part of a productive wide-out group that includes Cayden Beran, Lane Castaneda and Korrell Koehlmoos. Beran garnered second team All-GPAC accolades in 2019.

The returning starters on the offensive line are Cole Baumgartner, Gavin Mull and Johnny Robinson III (who has one of the nation’s great nicknames – “pork chop”). Keegan Hornung has also started up front. They will attempt to blow open holes for running backs such as Jonah Weyand and Devin Zeigler. Durdon had been the program’s primary ball carrier for the previous three years.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs graduated three of their four starting linebackers and both corners from last season. However, Daberkow isn’t sweating it out. Daberkow likes what he sees developing around Napier at linebacker and he knows he has two long-haired safeties who know how to bait opposing quarterbacks – AJ Jenkins and Peyton Mitchell. There is also depth on the defensive line that will help make up for losing all-conference end Aaron Rudloff.

The motto for a typically rugged defense coordinated by Corby Osten is “put the ball down.” Those four words are actually written on the practice jerseys of Concordia defenders. Explains Daberkow, “We finish plays. That has always been what we aspire to be and what we continue to be. It starts, ends and begins with effort. Effort makes a defense. Coach Osten and Coach (Wes) Coomes have done a great job making sure our guys play hard.”

On special teams, the Bulldogs return their placekicker (Jordan Spilinek) and punter (Castaneda) from last season, but Daberkow says that the kicking job has been competitive in camp. More explosiveness in the return game would be one way to give the offense a lift. Meanwhile, the coverage units have been mostly solid going back several years.

The GPAC preseason poll (released this week) largely reflected the final standings from last fall. The 2019 Concordia outfit made strides that did not show up in the overall record. The expectation is for that to change in 2020. It all starts with a night game against Doane for the second year in a row. Daberkow knows there will be a lot of electricity in the air that evening, even if fan attendance is limited.

“You have to do the simple things right,” Daberkow said. “There are a lot of things that can either win you or lose you games. There is nothing that you cannot really stress. Everything is important. We cannot have a lack of execution in any part of our game and expect to come out on top. We definitely are stressing simple things. We have always said we want to be excellent at the simple things … We have worked really hard in the offseason with our strength development and we are looking forward to playing football.”

Daberkow will be glad to get a football season going and have fewer conversations about the unique nature of the offseason and the COVID-19 protocols that are a constant reminder of the ongoing health pandemic. Some normalcy has already returned with high school football kicking off inside the state of Nebraska. The Bulldogs will make their official return to the gridiron on Saturday, Sept. 12 at rival Doane.

Back in May, Napier felt like he had a handle on the mentality his squad will have to employ if it is to make the desired strides. Said Napier, “I think our mindset right now is that we have to finish and finish strong. If we want to quit having those feelings of, ‘oh man we were close, but we didn’t get it done,’ we have to work three-four times harder. We have to always keep pushing each other. I think that’s where we’re at. We know what we’ve got for players. As a team we need to execute and physically beat up the other teams.”

Concordia-Doane to renew rivalry in 2020 opener

sept. 7

SEWARD, Neb. – Game week is finally here. For the second season in a row, the Concordia University Football program will go head-to-head with rival Doane to get things started. Both squads are looking to bounce back from below .500 records in 2019. Kickoff on Saturday is set for 6 p.m. CT from Al Papik Field in Crete, Neb., a place where the Bulldogs have not claimed victory since 2005. Originally, Concordia had scheduled a road trip to Mayville State University (canceled due to schedule mandates) to begin the 2020 season.

Head coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad went 3-7 overall (3-6 GPAC) in 2019 and was picked seventh in the 2020 GPAC preseason poll. The Bulldogs enter a new season knowing they must improve their productivity offensively and breathe life into a running game that has been stifled over the past two seasons. Concordia expects to employ a typically rugged defensive unit while it breaks in a new starting quarterback – either Blake Culbert or Wyatt Ehlers.

Doane’s four wins in 2019 were the program’s fewest since 2010. Former defensive coordinator Chris Bessler is now in his third season as head coach of his alma mater. The Tigers experienced their own offensive struggles last season, ranking 86th nationally in scoring offense (14.5) and dead last in total offense (211.9). By just a single point, Doane appeared above the Bulldogs at sixth in the GPAC preseason poll. Senior Izaiah Celestine is a big-play threat as a receiver and returner.

GAME INFO
Concordia (0-0) at Doane (0-0)
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 6 p.m.
Al Papik Field | Crete, Neb.
Webcast: News Channel Nebraska Central
Stats: http://www.doaneathletics.com/schedule/0/6.php
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Commentators: Evan Jones and Ross Wurdeman

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Team Statistics
*2019 national rank in parentheses

Concordia
Offensive PPG: 15.6 (81st out of 93)
Defensive PPG: 22.2 (31st)
Total Offense: 280.2 (78th)
Pass Offense: 214.4 (33rd)
Rush Offense: 65.8 (88th)
Total Defense: 335.0 (35th)
Pass Defense: 220.5 (65th)
Rush Defense: 114.5 (16th)
Turnover +/-: +4 (T-30th)

Doane
Offensive PPG: 14.5 (T-86th)
Defensive PPG: 31.3 (62nd)
Total Offense: 211.9 (93rd)
Pass Offense: 146.7 (77th)
Rush Offense: 65.2 (89th)
Total Defense: 419.9 (77th)
Pass Defense: 251.9 (84th)
Rush Defense: 168.0 (60th)
Turnover +/-: -3 (T-57th)

2019 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

Concordia
Head Coach: Patrick Daberkow (12-18, 4th season)
Passing: Jake Kemp – 149/265 (.562), 1,802 yards, 8 td, 12 int, 114.3 effic.
Rushing: Ryan Durdon – 158 rushes, 457 yards, 2.9 avg, 4 td; 18 catches, 146 yards, td
Receiving: Cayden Beran – 49 catches, 701 yards, 14.3 avg, 2 td
Defense: Lane Napier – 108 tackles, 10.5 tfl’s, 4.5 sacks, 3 ff, fr, int

Doane
Head Coach: Chris Bessler (10-11, 3rd season)
Passing: Drake Davidson – 120/242 (.496), 1,434 yards, 10 td, 5 int, 108.9 effic.
Rushing: Jamaine Derogene – 92 rushes, 295 yards, 3.2 avg, 3 td
Receiving: Izaiah Celestine – 27 catches, 573 yards, 21.2 avg, 5 td
Defense: Anthony Malone – 61 tackles, 12 tfl’s, 2.5 sacks

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Concordia (0-0)
9/12 at Doane, 6 p.m.
9/19 vs. Hastings, 6 p.m.
9/26 at Briar Cliff, 1 p.m.
10/3 vs. Jamestown, 1 p.m.
10/10 at Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.
10/17 at Northwestern, 1 p.m.
10/24 vs. Dordt, 1 p.m.
11/7 vs. Morningside, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Midland, 1 p.m.

Doane (0-0)
9/12 vs. Concordia, 6 p.m.
9/19 vs. Briar Cliff, 1 p.m.
9/26 at Hastings, 1 p.m.
10/3 vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.
10/10 at Jamestown, 2 p.m.
10/17 at Dordt, 1 p.m.
10/24 vs. Northwestern, 1 p.m.
11/7 vs. Midland, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Morningside, 1 p.m.

Fan protocols
Doane’s fan protocols for Saturday’s game can be viewed HERE. Student-athletes suiting up for the game are allowed an allotment of four family members in attendance apiece. Face coverings must be worn by fans in attendance. Fans of the Bulldogs are advised to check COVID-19 related protocols for each road venue prior to traveling for away contests.

In the rankings
The GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll was unveiled on Aug. 26. Doane landed at No. 6 (38 points) while Concordia followed closely behind at seventh (37 points). The poll resembled the final 2019 standings. The NAIA did not release an NAIA preseason national poll though Doane and Concordia were unlikely to garner attention nationally. In the current Massey Ratings, the Tigers check in at 36th with the Bulldogs appear at 38th. Concordia last appeared in the national rankings in the preseason of 2017 when it checked in at 20th. Meanwhile, Doane’s most recent national poll appearance occurred in October 2017 when it slotted in at 24th.

Concordia
GPAC preseason: 7th
Massey Ratings: 38th

Doane
GPAC preseason: 6th
Massey Ratings: 36th

All-American Napier headlines returners
Senior Lane Napier has attracted the most preseason recognition of any Bulldog – and deservedly so. The inside linebacker from David City, Neb., is easily the program’s most prolific tackler in the GPAC era (see below) with a full season yet to go. Napier has averaged roughly 116 tackles per season and was named an Associated Press All-American in 2018 when he topped the NAIA in tackles (142). This preseason, Napier appeared on All-America teams released by Street & Smith’s and by College Football America. He is a three-time first team All-GPAC honoree and a strong preseason candidate for the 2020 GPAC Defensive Player of the Year award. Napier is the lone returning starter in the linebacker group.

Most tackles, GPAC era
347 – Lane Napier (2017-- )
290 – Sean Stewart (1999-02)
261 – Michael Hedlund (2013-16)
246 – Ben Klein (2008-11)
237 – Jerrod Fleming (2008-11)
234 – Tait Sibbel (2012-15)

Quarterback battle
Another quarterback battle has played out in preseason camp. Now a graduate assistant coach at Fort Hays State, Jake Kemp saw the bulk of the action at that spot in 2019. When the offense takes the field on Saturday, Patrick Daberkow is expected to send out either junior Blake Culbert or sophomore Wyatt Ehlers. Culbert did not throw a single pass in 2019 but actually started the game at Morningside in 2018. On the other hand, Ehlers saw action in seven games (one start) as a true freshman. He threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns in the week two game at Buena Vista. In other words, both quarterbacks have made exactly one career start, yet are still green in terms of game experience. The search for stability has continued at this position since the dynamic Von Thomas graduated in 2015.

Tough defense remains constant
Thankfully, Concordia signal callers have typically had a solid defense to help cover up any mistakes. Over the past 10 years, the Bulldog defense has not ranked any lower than 44th nationally in scoring defense (with a high of sixth in 2013). In three of the past seven years, Concordia has ranked in the top 15 of the NAIA in scoring defense. A rock solid D in 2019 kept the Bulldogs close with most of their opponents despite the offensive struggles. Each of the first four losses in ’19 came by margins of seven points or fewer. All-Americans on the defensive side of the ball in recent seasons have included Lane Napier (2018 and 2019), Tarence Roby (2017), Trey Barnes (2015 and 2016) and Darnell Woods (2013).

Scoring defense ranks, last 10 years
2019 – 31st (22.2)
2018 – 38th (27.1)
2017 – 15th (21.4)
2016 – 28th (24.1)
2015 – 13th (18.7)
2014 – T-44th (27.5)
2013 – 6th (17.3)
2012 – T-30th (22.6)
2011 – T-35th (24.1)
2010 – 36th (23.2)

Deep receiver group
This may be the deepest receiver group Concordia has put together in a long, long time, especially when you factor in skilled pass catching tight ends Brady Fitzke and Garrett Schardt. Four different Bulldogs had at least one 100-yard receiving game in 2019: Art Anderson, Cayden Beran, Lane Castaneda and Korrell Koelhmoos. All of those names return this fall. Beran was a breakout star last season in leading the team with 49 catches for 701 yards. Beran, Fitzke and Schardt were interviewed by the Lincoln Journal Star following this past Saturday’s practice. In that discussion, Beran talked about how he and his roommates raised chickens during the summer.

Long-haired ball-hawks
The long-haired safety tandem of senior Peyton Mitchell and sophomore AJ Jenkins stands out as a major strength on paper. Mitchell (five interceptions, eight pass breakups) and Jenkins (three interceptions, two pass breakups) combined for 18 passes defensed in 2019. A converted receiver, Mitchell garnered second team All-GPAC accolades last fall. The pass defense as a whole did a commendable job while plucking more interceptions (15) than passing touchdowns allowed (14). Mitchell and Jenkins will provide support to two new starting corners that will be broken in on Saturday.

America’s Fullback
Okay, so it’s just a fun tongue-in-cheek story, but Chevy Stout is now more well-known nationally than any other Bulldog on the roster. That happened thanks to a viral tweet by Patrick Daberkow. The tweet gained considerable traction when @BarstoolBigCat retweeted it to his more than one million followers. In a Barstool Sports blog post, Stout was referred to as “America’s Fullback.” He won’t show up a whole lot in the stats (one career catch, no rushing attempts), but Stout has a chance to make a difference in the run game with his blocking abilities. Stout is a senior from Grand Island, Neb.

Run game must improve
For the offense to take the necessary steps forward, the running game absolutely has to get better. It’s been a focus this offseason. After averaging 2.6 yards per rush in 2018, Concordia managed just 1.8 yards per ground attempt in 2019. The offensive line appears to be physically stronger and is certainly more experienced. Four offensive linemen return with starting experience: Cole Baumgartner, Keegan Hornung, Gavin Mull and Johnny Robinson III. Crete native Jonah Weyand will have his opportunities to carry the mail in the backfield. The coaching staff also likes what Houston native Devin Zeigler brings to the table. Daberkow is hoping things will look more like 2017 when the rushing attack churned out nearly 2,000 yards (4.3 per carry).

Series vs. Doane
Doane has had Concordia’s number, triumphing in 13 of the past 14 meetings. The one Bulldog victory during that stretch came in 2017 when Daberkow led his squad to a 29-18 homecoming win over the then seventh-ranked Tigers. The two rivals first met in 1935 and have played each other 64 times. Doane leads the all-time series, 42-19-3.

In last season’s matchup at Bulldog Stadium, Concordia took a 10-7 lead into the fourth quarter before suffering a 17-10 defeat. Lane Napier collected 12 tackles and forced two fumbles in a strong defensive outing for the Bulldogs. A two-yard rush by Kyle Jensen with 9:28 left in the game put Doane in front for good. The slugfest was a sign of things to come for two teams that both struggled offensively in 2019.

Scouting Doane
There are plenty of unknowns on both sides, as would be expected for a season opener. The Tigers do have one luxury that Concordia does not – a returning starting quarterback. Senior Drake Davidson threw 10 touchdown passes last season for an offense that relied mostly on receiver Izaiah Celestine for big plays. Celestine (second team) is one of three returning All-GPAC honorees, joining defensive back Damond Brown (second team) and defensive lineman Riley Homolka (honorable mention). At one point during preseason camp, Doane practice was shut down for more than a week. It returned to practice in late August. Chris Bessler is now in his third season as head coach after taking over for Matt Franzen (now the AD). Saturday will be an intriguing look at which offense has made greater strides in the offseason.

Weyand stars in hometown, Dawgs thump Doane

sept. 13

CRETE, Neb. – The first half of the 2020 season opener displayed exactly the type of football team Head Coach Patrick Daberkow has aspired to put together. The Concordia Bulldogs shook off an early mishap and overwhelmed host Doane at the line of scrimmage. The 65th meeting between the two rivals, played underneath the lights at Papik Field in Crete on Saturday (Sept. 12), went to the Bulldogs, 24-7.

The smash-mouth effort yielded a time-of-possession advantage of 39:16 to 20:44 in favor of Concordia. Afterwards Daberkow called the evening: “Beautiful. Perfect. America.” Yes, there is football in the GPAC footprint.

Said Daberkow, “Anytime you can beat Doane it’s a lot of fun. Coming off of what we’ve been through these last two years and the work we’ve put in this offseason, it’s nice to get to a point where we can be better and be competitive. Hats off to our guys. They really put a lot of work in. It was fun to see it.”

The ground game is back. Crete native Jonah Weyand ran wild for 152 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone. Weyand galloped through crater-sized holes off the right side for scoring plays of 25 and 15 yards. The offensive line paved the way for 229 rushing yards – this for a team that averaged only 65.8 rushing yards per game in 2019. Even on the final possession when Doane knew the run was coming, the Bulldogs churned out three first downs (with Lyle Whitney and Devin Zeigler in the backfield) to bleed out the clock.

Daberkow and his staff certainly hope this was a sign of things to come for Weyand and an offensive line that returned four players with starting experience. Weyand bludgeoned the Tigers with 169 rushing yards. Weyand sat out most of the second half as a precaution, but it didn’t dampen his spirits following the game.

“It was amazing,” Weyand said. “Pulling up to the school was like, ‘Wow, here we are again.’ I was here my freshman year but didn’t get a chance to play due to an injury. To get back on the turf, getting to play with these guys and getting a win over a school I was also considering in my recruitment process just feels amazing.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Concordia graduated stout defensive end Aaron Rudloff and a wealth of talent in the linebacker core. However, it didn’t miss a beat on Saturday. All-American linebacker Lane Napier made seven tackles and the unit forced two turnovers. One came via a fumble forced by Karson Dickson and another thwarted a Doane red zone drive when AJ Jenkins plucked an interception. Chase Hammons and Eric Kieper Jr. produced a sack apiece.

A large chunk of the Tiger offense came on one play. Doane actually led 7-0 after Jamaine Derogene ran free for a 56-yard touchdown less than three minutes into the game. The Bulldogs answered with Weyand’s first touchdown run. By halftime, Concordia had clearly exerted its will.

Blake Culbert got the call at quarterback and made his second career start for the Bulldogs. One of his most impressive tosses was a 15-yard scoring strike to Brady Fitzke late in the first quarter. Culbert did not have to make a ton of big plays when he could lean upon a strong run game and defense. He finished 15-for-33 for 145 yards. Cayden Beran caught five passes for 36 yards, Korrell Koehlmoos snagged three catches for 24 yards and Garrett Schardt had two receptions for 40 yards.

Concordia outgained Doane, 374-195, and had a first down advantage of 21-10. The Tigers played without star receiver Izaiah Celestine, but it probably didn’t matter considering how the Bulldogs won the line of scrimmage.

For the first time since 2005, Concordia celebrated a win in Crete. Daberkow is now 2-2 against Doane since becoming head coach. Said Daberkow, “It was fun. It felt like normalcy again.”

As for Weyand, Daberkow added, “It was really the offensive line and he would be the first one to tell you that. Jonah had a great game tonight but he would tell you that’s on the offensive line.”

The Bulldogs will be in Seward next Saturday (Sept. 19) to host Hastings in their 2020 home opener. Kickoff from Bulldog Stadium is set for 6 p.m. CT. The Broncos (2-8 last season) opened up the season on Saturday by pummeling Dakota Wesleyan, 45-7. In the 2019 meeting, Concordia blew out Hastings, 44-0, behind a big day from Beran (10 catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns). Fans planning to attend next week’s game should first review Concordia’s fan protocols HERE.

Concordia-Hastings continue competitive rivalry this week

Sept. 14

SEWARD, Neb. – A second-straight GPAC in-state rivalry is on the docket as the Concordia University Football Program looks forward to its 2020 home opener. Hastings will be in town on Saturday for a 6 p.m. CT kickoff from Bulldog Stadium. This will be the 53rd all-time meeting between the Bulldogs and Broncos. Both squads are fresh off week one victories within conference play.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad manhandled Doane at the line of scrimmage in the 24-7 victory last week in Crete. The Bulldogs owned decided advantages in total yards (374-195), time of possession (39:16 to 20:44), first downs (21-10) and turnovers (+2). Running back Jonah Weyand busted loose for 169 rushing yards and two touchdowns. It was the type of breakout ground game the program has been seeking since the 2017 season. Concordia won in Crete for the first time since 2005.

Meanwhile, Hastings put together a dominant performance of its own in a 45-7 stomping of Dakota Wesleyan. The Broncos piled up 247 rushing yards and outgained the Tigers, 431-251. It was a shot of confidence Hastings was look for after it finished 2-8 last season (ended on an eight-game losing streak). Running back Tyree Nesmith carried the ball 24 times for 108 yards and four touchdowns. Head Coach Tony Harper is in his ninth season as head coach after serving as the program’s defensive coordinator from 2006-11.

GAME INFO
Hastings (1-0) at Concordia (1-0)
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 6 p.m.
Bulldog Stadium | Seward, Neb.
Webcast/Stats: Stretch Live
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Commentators: Evan Jones and Ross Wurdeman

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Team Statistics

*2019 national rank in parentheses
NOTE: Only 30 of the 82 NAIA football programs that intend to play in 2020-21 have started their seasons.

Hastings
Offensive PPG: 17.5 (79th)
Defensive PPG: 43.0 (86th)
Total Offense: 303.9 (70th)
Pass Offense: 182.2 (64th)
Rush Offense: 121.7 (61st)
Total Defense: 437.4 (84th)
Pass Defense: 222.1 (69th)
Rush Defense: 215.3 (86th)
Turnover +/-: -4 (T-60th)

2020 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

Concordia
Head Coach: Patrick Daberkow (13-18, 4th season)
Passing: Blake Culbert – 15/33 (.455), 145 yards, 1 td, 0 int, 92.4 effic.
Rushing: Jonah Weyand – 21 rushes, 169 yards, 8.0 avg, 2 td
Receiving: Cayden Beran – 5 catches, 36 yards, 7.2 avg, 0 td
Defense: Lane Napier – 7 tackles, pbu

Hastings
Head Coach: Tony Harper (35-50, 9th season)
Passing: Jesse Ulrich – 12/21 (.571), 184 yards, 2 td, 0 int, 162.2 effic.
Rushing: Tyree Nesmith – 24 rushes, 108 yards, 4.5 avg, 4 td; 2 catches, 60 yards
Receiving: Keiotey Stenhouse – 3 catches, 59 yards, 19.7 avg, td
Defense: Keyuntea Kinney – 6 tackles, 3 tfl’s, sack

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Concordia (1-0, 1-0 GPAC)
9/12 at Doane, W, 24-7
9/19 vs. Hastings, 6 p.m.
9/26 at Briar Cliff, 1 p.m.
10/3 vs. Jamestown, 1 p.m.
10/10 at Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.
10/17 at Northwestern, 1 p.m.
10/24 vs. Dordt, 1 p.m.
11/7 vs. Morningside, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Midland, 1 p.m.

Hastings (1-0, 1-0 GPAC)
9/12 vs. Dakota Wesleyan, W, 45-7
9/19 at Concordia, 6 p.m.
9/26 vs. Doane, 1 p.m.
10/3 at Morningside, 1 p.m.
10/10 at Midland, 1 p.m.
10/24 vs. Briar Cliff, 1 p.m.
10/31 at Jamestown, 1 p.m.
11/7 vs. Northwestern, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Dordt, 1 p.m.

Fan protocols
Concordia’s fan protocols for Saturday’s game can be viewed HERE. Bulldog Stadium can be filled up to 75 percent capacity. Face coverings must be worn by fans in attendance. Fans of the Bulldogs are advised to check COVID-19 related protocols for each road venue prior to traveling for away contests.

In the rankings
The GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll was unveiled on Aug. 26. Concordia landed at No. 7 (37 points) with Hastings following at eighth (23 points). The poll resembled the final 2019 standings. The NAIA did not release an NAIA preseason national poll though Concordia and Hastings were unlikely to garner attention nationally. In the current Massey Ratings, the Bulldogs appear at 27th while the Broncos check in at 42nd. Concordia last appeared in the national rankings in the preseason of 2017 when it was rated 20th. Meanwhile, Hastings’ most recent poll appearance occurred in October 2017 when it slotted in at 19th.

Concordia
GPAC preseason: 7th
Current Massey Ratings: 27th

Hastings
GPAC preseason: 8th
Current Massey Ratings: 42nd

Most lopsided win over Doane in 50 years
The three-score margin in last week’s Concordia-Doane matchup was a departure from recent meetings that went down to the wire. In fact, the 17-point spread marked the largest margin of victory for the Bulldogs over the Tigers since a 35-0 blowout in 1970. (Doane owned a 38-game unbeaten streak at the time of that game in ’70). With the victory, Concordia shook off some of the frustration of close losses to Doane the past two years (21-16 in 2018 and 17-10 in 2019). Entering last week, the Tigers had won 13 of the previous 14 contests in the series. Patrick Daberkow is now 2-2 against Doane as head coach (also won in 2017).

Why not Weyand?
The answer to some of Concordia’s running game blues the past two years just might be Jonah Weyand, a redshirt sophomore from Crete, Neb. The Crete High School alum now gets his chance to be the primary back after Ryan Durdon served that role the past three years. Weyand seized the opportunity last week by piling up 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone. Weyand finished with 169 yards despite sitting out most of the second half. As Weyand later admitted, the offensive line played a major role in that success. Particularly striking was the blocking on Weyand’s 15-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. He simply right through a crater-sized hole on the way to the end zone. Prior to last week, Weyand’s collegiate career included just 119 rushing yards.

Not missing a beat
The defense graduated some fine players in defensive end Aaron Rudloff and linebackers Riley Bilstein, Derek Tachovsky and Zac Walter, but the unit did not appear to miss a beat at Doane. After Jamaine Derogene’s 56-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, Lane Napier and company stifled the Tigers. They managed to average just 3.9 yards per play and never reached the red zone the entire day. The Bulldogs forced two turnovers thanks to a forced fumble by Karson Dickson (recovered by Jorge Ochoa) and an interception by AJ Jenkins. Chase Hammons and Eric Kieper Jr. collected a sack apiece.

Over the past 10 years, Concordia has routinely ranked among the top 30-35 teams nationally in terms of scoring defense. The Bulldogs have had a top 15 scoring defense in three of the previous seven years.

Scoring defense ranks, last 10 years
2019 – 31st (22.2)
2018 – 38th (27.1)
2017 – 15th (21.4)
2016 – 28th (24.1)
2015 – 13th (18.7)
2014 – T-44th (27.5)
2013 – 6th (17.3)
2012 – T-30th (22.6)
2011 – T-35th (24.1)
2010 – 36th (23.2)

Offensive line shows out
The offensive line received rave reviews for its work in helping the ground game pound out 229 rushing yards. That was the highest total for the program since putting up 252 rushing yards in the 2018 season opening victory over NCAA Division III Buena Vista University. The starting group up front includes tackles Cole Baumgartner and Gavin Mull, guards Keegan Hornung and Christian Schlepp and center Johnny Robinson. All but Schlepp entered 2020 with starting experience. The staff believes this o-line is shaping up to be more like the 2017 unit that helped Concordia rush for nearly 2,000 yards (4.3 per carry).

QB1
Redshirt junior Blake Culbert made his first start at quarterback since 2018 (second of his career) and took every offensive snap last week at Doane. The native of Garden Grove, Calif., simply had to stay out of the way of a strong run game and defensive performance. Culbert completed 15-of-33 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown. His most impressive toss was a 15-yard touchdown strike to Brady Fitzke on a third-and-10 play. Culbert completed at least one pass to six different Bulldog receivers. Backup Wyatt Ehlers may also see playing time going forward. Ehlers can provide a unique dimension with his ability as a runner.

Tight ends = legit
The tight end position can certainly be a security blanket for Culbert. The main targets at the position are Brady Fitzke and Garrett Schardt. Fitzke caught two passes for 21 yards (including the touchdown) while Schardt reeled in two passes for 40 yards in last week’s victory. Both tight ends stand 6-foot-3 or taller and have good hands. In his career, Schardt has 17 receptions for 294 yards and a touchdown. Fitzke is just beginning to tap into his potential (older brother Seth was an all-conference tight end for the Bulldogs). He is healthy after battling injuries the previous two years.

Dickson makes presence felt
He did not start the game at Doane, but defensive end Karson Dickson certainly made his presence felt. The native of Carleton, Neb., possesses ideal size at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds. Dickson is a transfer via NCAA Division II Northwest Missouri State. Last week he was credited with three tackles and a forced fumble. Dickson caught attention with a couple of hard hits on Tiger quarterback Drake Davidson. Daberkow likes the depth up front on the defensive line. The starters last week featured ends Chase Hammons and Payton Kidder and nose guard Gerald Morris.

Series vs. Hastings
The Broncos have owned the all-time series with a record of 36-15-1 versus the Bulldogs. However, the series has been very competitive recently with the two programs splitting the last 10 meetings evenly (see history below). The 2019 matchup resulted in the largest point differential in series history with Concordia blowing out Hastings, 44-0. The Bulldogs put forth an aerial assault that saw Cayden Beran catch 10 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Concordia outgained Hastings, 443-186. The Broncos came away with the victory inside Bulldog Stadium the previous year, which snapped a string of four-straight Concordia series home wins.

Last 10 meetings
2019 – Concordia 44, Hastings 0 (Hastings)
2018 – Hastings 21, Concordia 13 (Seward)
2017 – Hastings 38, Concordia 18 (Hastings)
2016 – Concordia 31, Hastings 28 (Seward)
2015 – Concordia 28, Hastings 3 (Seward)
2014 – Hastings 48, Concordia 43 (Hastings)
2013 – Concordia 26, Hastings 21 (Seward)
2012 – Hastings 34, Concordia 26 (Hastings)
2011 – Concordia 10, Hastings 0 (Seward)

Scouting Hastings
It was a rough eight-game losing streak to conclude the 2019 season for Hastings. During that stretch, the Broncos dropped each game by margins of 23 points or more. That’s why last week’s 45-7 thumping of Dakota Wesleyan was a significant victory. Hastings needed to shore up a defense that allowed 43.0 points per game last season. Up front last week, Keyntea Kinney wreaked some havoc while recording three tackles for loss, including a sack. The early indications show an improved run defense. The Broncos held Dakota Wesleyan to 59 rushing yards on 29 attempts. Offensively, Hastings returns playmaking receiver Keiotey Stenhouse, who hauled in 53 passes for 827 yards and six touchdowns last season. He will catches passes from sophomore quarterback Jesse Ulrich, who is in his first season as the starter. The Broncos return two All-GPAC players on defense in defensive back DaeRon Jones (second team) and defensive lineman Steel Willis (honorable mention). Hastings is seeking its first winning season since going 6-4 in 2014.

Weyand finds end zone five times in OT winner

Sept. 20

SEWARD, Neb. – Underneath the lights at Bulldog Stadium, the Concordia University Football team treated its fans to an exhilarating home opener on Saturday (Sept. 19). Jonah Weyand squirted loose for the walk-off winner in overtime to squeak past Hastings, 34-28. Weyand enjoyed another night to remember while rattling off five rushing touchdowns in a back-and-forth barn burner.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad churned out 175 rushing yards and made fewer mistakes than did the Broncos. That proved the difference as the Bulldogs now celebrate a 2-0 start to the season.

“I think grit’s a good word for it,” Daberkow said. “It’s a lot of fun to see our guys respond to adversity. We try to keep an even keel and not get too high or get too low. I thought they did a good job with that tonight throughout that whole ebb and flow of the second half.”

Weyand and a much-improved offensive line have sprung to life a running game that was mostly nonexistent in 2019. The Crete High School product found the end zone on carries that covered eight, one, 10, 15 and 10 yards. In the first possession of overtime, the Concordia defense came up with a stop to set the stage for Weyand. The workhorse back reached the end zone on his fifth carry of the drive, setting off a celebration in the north end zone.

After seeing many games like this go the other way over the previous two years, the Bulldogs were psyched to win an emotional nail-biter. It helps when you can lean upon the strong legs of Weyand. Said the star tailback, “Honestly I can’t really remember the (game-winning) play. I just remember the huge dogpile. I just did everything I could to get across the goal line and get us the win. Our defense came up big at the end and when we got an opportunity to win, I wasn’t going to let them down.”

Neither team led by more than seven points at any moment during the seesaw affair. Concordia had a shot to close it out in regulation when Weyand’s fourth touchdown run provided a 28-21 lead with 2:56 remaining. Hastings promptly answered with a five-play, 68-yard drive that forced the extra session. With the game on the line, the Bulldogs did not let anyone other than Weyand touch the ball. Smart move.

Weyand finished with 177 rushing yards on 35 carries and his five rushing touchdowns equaled a GPAC single-game record. There were also some big plays made by junior Korrell Koehlmoos, who hauled in four passes for 104 yards and had a 70-yard kickoff return. Koehlmoos made one of the most significant plays of the game when he hauled in a 24-yard reception on a fourth-down prayer in the fourth quarter. The conversion led to Concordia tying the score, 21-21.

The Bulldogs recovered the ensuing kickoff, initiating a short 23-yard touchdown drive. Suddenly, Concordia had a 28-21 advantage after struggling offensively for most of the second half. Its first four offensive possession of the half ended with punts. The Bulldogs stayed the course.

Said defensive back Jourdhin Smith, “These boys are everything. They’re going to fight from start to finish every drive, every play. We just showed you today that we can always stay in the game and come back and win.”

Smith helped prevent Hastings (1-1) from scoring on its opening possession of the second half. On third-and-goal from the nine, Smith made a sprawling, acrobatic interception near the sideline. The Concordia defense made its share of big plays and limited the Broncos to 371 total yards. Standout Hastings receiver Keiotey Stenhouse hauled in six catches for 125 yards and a touchdown.

Linebacker Lane Napier and defensive end Payton Kidder paced the Bulldog defense with 10 tackles apiece. Napier made two stops behind the line of scrimmage, including a sack. End Karson Dickson also collected a couple of stops in the backfield. The Concordia run defense held Hastings to 3.1 yards per carry.

Bulldog quarterback Blake Culbert completed 18-of-33 passes for 220 yards (no turnovers). Lane Castaneda (seven punts for an average of 42.7 yards) pulled in six receptions for 60 yards and Cayden Beran made four grabs for 45 yards. Koehlmoos recorded 237 all-purpose yards.

“We have Briar Cliff now,” Daberkow said. “I’ll enjoy this until I fall asleep tonight and tomorrow morning we have work to do. We’re excited to do it.”

Next Saturday’s game at Briar Cliff (0-1) will kick off at 1 p.m. CT from Memorial Field in Sioux City, Iowa. The Chargers opened their season on Saturday with a 13-6 loss at Doane. Last season, Concordia defeated Briar Cliff, 16-14, in Seward.

Concordia aiming for first 3-0 GPAC start since 2013

Sept. 21

SEWARD, Neb. – It will be difficult to top the drama and excitement that poured out of last week’s 34-28 overtime victory over Hastings. The Concordia University Football team is riding high into week three of the 2020 season while looking to move to 3-0 inside of conference play for the first time since 2013. The Bulldogs now shift focus to Saturday’s trip to Memorial Field in Sioux City, Iowa, home to Briar Cliff. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT in what will be the first afternoon game this season for Concordia.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad is 2-for-2 against in-state rivals having opened the campaign with wins over Doane and Hastings. The Bulldogs followed the lead of Jonah Weyand (five rushing touchdowns) and made fewer mistakes than the Broncos in the Bulldog Stadium thriller. Through two games, Concordia is averaging 202.0 rushing yards per game, a massive difference from its average of 65.8 rushing yards per contest in 2019. In addition, the Bulldogs have gone back-to-back weeks without committing a turnover.

Briar Cliff did not experience the same success last week in attempting to add octane to an offense that averaged 17.0 points per game last season. Head Coach Dennis Wagner’s squad was limited to 252 yards of offense in a 13-6 loss at Doane. The Chargers had their scheduled Sept. 12 game postponed, meaning last week’s matchup in Crete represented their season opener. Wagner injected life into a Briar Cliff program that went 0-11 in 2017. Under Wagner, the Chargers improved to 6-5 in 2018 before going 5-6 in 2019. Briar Cliff’s strength is on defense (ranked 11th nationally in total defense in 2019).

GAME INFO
Concordia (2-0) at Briar Cliff (0-1)
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 1 p.m.
Memorial Field | Sioux City, Iowa
Webcast: Charger Game Day
Stats: Dakstats
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Commentators: Evan Jones and Ross Wurdeman

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Team Statistics

*2020 national rank in parentheses
NOTE: 41 of the 82 NAIA football programs that intend to play in 2020-21 have started their seasons.

Concordia
Offensive PPG: 29.0 (19th)
Defensive PPG: 17.5 (13th)
Total Offense: 384.5 (19th)
Pass Offense: 182.5 (24th)
Rush Offense: 202.0 (8th)
Total Defense: 283.0 (T-12th)
Pass Defense: 161.0 (16th)
Rush Defense: 122.0 (T-18th)
Turnover +/-: +3 (T-6th)

Briar Cliff
Offensive PPG: 6.0 (37th)
Defensive PPG: 13.0 (T-6th)
Total Offense: 252.0 (32nd)
Pass Offense: 147.0 (28th)
Rush Offense: 105.0 (27th)
Total Defense: 283.0 (T-12th)
Pass Defense: 158.0 (15th)
Rush Defense: 125.0 (T-25th)
Turnover +/-: -1 (T-25th)

2020 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

Concordia
Head Coach: Patrick Daberkow (14-18, 4th season)
Passing: Blake Culbert – 33/66 (.500), 365 yards, 1 td, 0 int, 101.5 effic.
Rushing: Jonah Weyand – 56 rushes, 346 yards, 6.2 avg, 7 td
Receiving: Korrell Koehlmoos – 7 catches, 128 yards, 18.3 avg, 0 td
Defense: Lane Napier – 17 tackles, 2 tfl’s, sack, pbu

Briar Cliff
Head Coach: Dennis Wagner (11-22, 4th season)
Passing: John Bell – 14/28 (.500), 139 yards, 1 td, 1 int, 96.3 effic.
Rushing: Mar’Kaybion Wallace – 20 rushes, 70 yards, 3.5 avg, 0 td
Receiving: Jalen Bowman – 4 catches, 51 yards, 12.8 avg, 0 td
Defense: Robert Robinson – 6 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tfl’s

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Concordia (2-0, 2-0 GPAC)
9/12 at Doane, W, 24-7
9/19 vs. Hastings, W, 34-28 (OT)
9/26 at Briar Cliff, 1 p.m.
10/3 vs. Jamestown, 1 p.m.
10/10 at Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.
10/17 at Northwestern, 1 p.m.
10/24 vs. Dordt, 1 p.m.
11/7 vs. Morningside, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Midland, 1 p.m.

Briar Cliff (0-1, 0-1 GPAC)
9/19 at Doane, L, 6-13
9/26 vs. Concordia, 1 p.m.
10/3 vs. Midland, 1 p.m.
10/10 at Morningside, 1:30 p.m.
10/24 at Hastings, 1 p.m.
10/31 at Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.
11/7 vs. Jamestown, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Northwestern, 1 p.m.
11/21 vs. Dordt, 1 p.m.

Fan protocols
Briar Cliff’s fan protocols for Saturday’s game can be viewed HERE. Bulldog Stadium can be filled up to 75 percent capacity. Face coverings must be worn by fans in attendance. Fans of the Bulldogs are advised to check COVID-19 related protocols for each road venue prior to traveling for away contests.

In the rankings
The GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll was unveiled on Aug. 26. Concordia landed at No. 7 (37 points) while Briar Cliff slotted in two spots above at fifth (44 points). The poll resembled the final 2019 standings. The NAIA did not release an NAIA preseason national poll though Concordia and Briar Cliff were unlikely to garner attention nationally. In the current Massey Ratings, the Bulldogs appear at 27th while the Chargers check in at 53rd. Concordia last appeared in the national rankings in the preseason of 2017 when it was rated 20th. Since the program began play in 2003, Briar Cliff has never cracked the NAIA top 25.

Concordia
GPAC preseason: 7th
Current Massey Ratings: 27th

Briar Cliff
GPAC preseason: 5th
Current Massey Ratings: 53rd

Weyand recognized as NAIA, GPAC Offensive Player of the Week
Redshirt sophomore Jonah Weyand and the running game are on fire. After rushing for five touchdowns and 177 yards on 35 carries versus Hastings, Weyand was recognized as both the GPAC and NAIA National Offensive Player of the Week. Weyand is the program’s first NAIA National Player of the Week since D’Mauria Martin earned such distinction on the defensive side of the ball on Oct. 16, 2017. Weyand’s five touchdown rushes tied a GPAC single-game record and broke Concordia’s school record. Ryan Durdon (2017) and JaMaine Lewis (2007) both ran for four touchdowns in one game. The school record for touchdowns in a single season is 19 by Bernard Arkebauer in 1931. Weyand beat out strong competition within the GPAC for the weekly honor. Morningside’s Reid Jurgensmeier caught five touchdown passes last week at Midland.

NAIA national leader
Jonah Weyand is the current NAIA national leader in both rushing yards (346) and rushing touchdowns (seven). Of course it’s true that many teams around the country have not yet played (several have played one game). After Weyand’s 346 rushing yards, the No. 2 rushing leader in the NAIA is Bethel (Kan.)’s Chantz Scurry with 185 yards. A breakout star, Weyand entered this season with 119 rushing yards on his career ledger. The Crete, Neb., native blew out his knee in the opening game of the 2018 season and red-shirted. Last season he served as the backup to Ryan Durdon. Weyand will bid to become the seventh running back in program history to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a single season.

Big play Korrell
Weyand has deservedly received plenty of attention with his gaudy statistics and penchant for finding the end zone. Meanwhile, Korrell Koehlmoos has been another big-play threat on the offensive side of the ball. In the Hastings win, Koehlmoos returned a kickoff for 70 yards and had separate pass receptions of 38, 35, 17 and 24 yards. The latter converted a fourth-and-12 play that led to a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter. Koehlmoos finished with four catches for 104 yards, marking the third 100-yard receiving game of his career. The Pilger, Neb., native has 73 receptions for 994 yards and five touchdowns in 21 career collegiate games played.

Turnover margin gives Bulldogs edge
Ball security has been a key in the 2-0 start. Concordia has yet to lose fumble or throw an interception yet this season. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have forced three turnovers on defense and recovered a kickoff last week at Hastings (led to a go-ahead fourth quarter touchdown). AJ Jenkins and Jourdhin Smith have collected an interception apiece this season. A power run game combined with ball security will make Concordia a tough out. When the Bulldogs have to punt, they can lean upon one of the league’s best punters in Lane Castaneda, who averaged 42.7 yards per punt with a long of 50.

Offensive line continues to earn praise
Even the game story in the Lincoln Journal Star mentioned each of Concordia’s starting offensive linemen by name after Weyand rushed for five touchdowns versus Hastings. The Bulldog line features tackles Cole Baumgartner and Gavin Mull, guards Keegan Hornung and Christian Schlepp and center Johnny Robinson. The continued improvement up front has a lot to do with the uptick in offensive production. Concordia averaged less than 3.0 yards per carry in each of the previous two years. In addition, the Bulldogs have allowed only three sacks over two games

3-0 starts, GPAC era
Concordia is hoping to get to 3-0 for the first time since 2016 and for the fifth time in the GPAC era (2000-present). The previous four times that the Bulldogs have started out 3-0, they have won at least seven games each season. The ’01 squad rolled to an 8-0 mark before finally falling for the first time. That team shared the GPAC title and reached the quarterfinals of the NAIA playoffs.

Previous 3-0 starts in GPAC era
2000 (final record: 7-4)
2001 (final record: 10-2)
2013 (final record: 7-4)
2016 (final record: 7-3)

Napier pads tackle total
It seems it won’t be long before senior linebacker Lane Napier is challenging the 400-tackle mark for his career. The All-American from David City, Neb., notched 10 more stops last week to run his career total to 364. His career numbers also show 33 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, seven pass breakups and an interception. Napier is working on earning first team All-GPAC honors for the fourth-straight season. He has notched at least 10 tackles in a game 18 times in his impressive career. No Bulldog in the GPAC era has reached 400 tackles for a career.

Dickson, Smith come up big on D
Transfer Karson Dickson is already putting a lot of heat on quarterbacks. He made a sack in the fourth quarter and again in overtime last week. His third down sack in overtime forced a long field goal try that resulted in a botched snap. He’s been credited with seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble while rotating in at defensive end early this season. Meanwhile, Jourdhin Smith has earned a starting role at corner. Smith emerged with an acrobatic interception of a Hastings pass on a third-and-goal situation. Smith has posted six tackles on the young season.

Series vs. Briar Cliff
The series between Concordia and Briar Cliff dates back to 2003 when the Chargers played their inaugural football season. The Bulldogs are 14-3 all-time versus Briar Cliff. Concordia won 11-straight in the series until the Chargers snapped the string in 2018 with a 23-14 victory. The Bulldogs got back on the winning side of the series a year ago in a 16-14 homecoming squeaker. Briar Cliff was plagued by seven turnovers (five lost fumbles, two interceptions) in the defeat. The Chargers were also held to just 191 total yards of offense. It was a big day for Korrell Koehlmoos, who caught eight passes for 137 yards and a touchdown.

Scouting Briar Cliff
Briar Cliff has played just one game due to having its scheduled season opener versus Jamestown postponed until Nov. 7. In last week’s defensive slugfest, the Chargers took a 6-0 lead into the fourth quarter before suffering a 13-6 loss. Briar Cliff appears to have another strong defensive unit led by defensive lineman Robert Robinson, a returning first team All-GPAC performer. Robinson posted a pair of sacks last week at Doane. Now Head Coach Dennis Wagner will attempt to get the offense going. The Chargers have a new quarterback in John Bell, who threw for 139 yards and a touchdown in the opener. They have also turned to a freshman at running back in Mar’Kaybion Wallace (20 rushes for 70 yards at Doane). Both offenses will have their work cut out for them on Saturday.

Weyand named NAIA, GPAC Offensive Player of the Week

Sept. 21

UPDATE: Jonah Weyand was named the NAIA National Offensive Player of the Week in the afternoon of Sept. 21. Weyand is the program's first NAIA National Player of the Week since D'Mauria Martin earned the award on the defensive side of the ball in 2017.

SEWARD, Neb. – After rushing for five touchdowns, including the game winner, last week versus Hastings, redshirt sophomore running back Jonah Weyand has been named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Offensive Player of the Week. The announcement from the conference came on Monday (Sept. 21). The Concordia University Football program had three GPAC Defensive Player of the Week honorees in 2019, but Weyand is the first Bulldog to be tabbed Offensive Player of the Week since Ryan Durdon in September 2018.

The five rushing touchdowns by Weyand equaled a GPAC single-game record (previously achieved four times in conference history). A product of Crete High School, Weyand is the NAIA national leader in both rushing yards (346) and rushing touchdowns (seven) this season. The workhorse back carried the ball 35 times for 177 yards while burning the Bronco defense. His touchdown runs covered eight, one, 10, 15 and 10 yards, respectively. The final run clinched the 34-28 victory in overtime. Weyand also had a rush of 54 yards that closed out the first half.

In the GPAC era (2000-present), two Concordia backs had previously rushed for four touchdowns in a single game. Durdon accomplished that feat against Midland in 2017 while JaMaine Lewis found the end zone four times versus Dakota Wesleyan in 2007. The school record for most touchdowns scored by an individual in a single season was 19 by Bernard Arkebauer in 1931.

Weyand and his teammates will return to action on Saturday at Briar Cliff (0-1). The Bulldogs (2-0) will attempt to get to 3-0 for the first time since 2016. They have not opened up GPAC play with three-straight wins since 2013.

Familiar formula results in 3-0 GPAC start

Sept. 26

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Concordia University Football team has found its identity and it hasn’t wavered. The formula again involved a bruising rushing attack and a smothering defense in a 24-9 workmanlike victory at Briar Cliff on Saturday (Sept. 26) afternoon. The Bulldogs spoiled the Charger homecoming in Sioux City, Iowa, while limiting the host to just 171 total yards of offense.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow has led the program to its first 3-0 start in conference play since 2013 (third occurrence during the GPAC era). After shaking off an early safety and 2-0 deficit, Concordia controlled the game against a squad still seeking answers offensively.

“It feels great being 3-0,” Daberkow said. “Nobody’s going to complain about that. The defense played phenomenal today. Coach (Corby) Osten, Coach (Wes) Coomes and our whole defensive staff have done such a great job with our guys. They’re creative and we’re really hard to move the ball on when we’re doing things right. We were really close to pitching a defensive shutout. Briar Cliff is a good football team – and playing on the road it’s good to get a win.”

Minus All-American Lane Napier, the Bulldogs showed off their depth on the defensive side of the ball. Stirling Tonniges stepped into a starting linebacker role and Concordia hardly missed a beat. The Chargers (0-2) managed a meager nine first downs and were just 5-for-17 on third-down conversions. The rugged Bulldog defense recorded five sacks, including two sacks apiece from Chase Hammons and Logan Kreizel and one from Caydren Cox. In the postgame, Daberkow lauded the play this season of linebacker Jorge Ochoa (five tackles at Briar Cliff).

Offensively, Concordia has thrived on mistake-free football (zero turnovers through three games) and by winning time of possession (33:05 in time of possession on Saturday). As a precaution, reigning NAIA National Offensive Player of the Week Jonah Weyand (nine rushes for 38 yards) was held out of the second half. Despite his absence, the ground game churned out 157 tough yards on 49 attempts. Lyle Whitney and Martin Solano both rushed for their first career touchdowns.

“They have some really talented players up front (on defense),” Daberkow said. “(Robert) Robinson, No. 18, is an All-American for a reason. To be able to run the ball again feels good. We certainly have work to do, but a win’s a win and we’ll take it.”

With the way their defense was performing, the Bulldogs felt good about their chances early in the fourth quarter when Solano crossed the goal line on a three-yard plunge. Solano’s touchdown pushed the lead to 24-9 and capped a smash mouth 12-play, 78-yard drive that featured 11 tailback runs and melted 5:43 of game time off the clock. On the day, Solano rushed for 40 yards on nine carries while Whitney piled up 73 yards on 16 attempts.

Concordia took the lead for good in the opening quarter when it capitalized on a short field that resulted from a 28-yard punt. Two plays after the punt, Blake Culbert fired a 26-yard touchdown pass to Korrell Koehlmoos for a 7-2 lead. Prior to the final touchdown, Jordan Spilinek added a 21-yard field goal make and Whitney rushed for an eight-yard touchdown. On the field goal drive, Koehlmoos had a reception for 61 yards.

Making his fourth career start, Culbert completed 11-of-22 passes for 194 yards and a score. Koehlmoos eclipsed 100 receiving yards (104) with his three catches. Cayden Beran hauled in five passes for 63 yards. The offensive output was balanced with 157 rushing yards and 194 passing yards (351 total).

The Bulldog defense forced Briar Cliff to punt 12 times. The Chargers also had only 86 passing yards and averaged a mere 2.4 yards per rushing attempt. On the flip side, Lane Castaneda punted seven times (average of 36.3 yards/punt) and pinned Briar Cliff inside its own 20 twice.

Next Saturday (Oct. 3) will be homecoming at Bulldog Stadium. Concordia is slated to play a Jamestown squad that has yet to start its 2020 season. The Bulldogs would like to avenge last year’s 13-10 four overtime loss played in a pit of mud in North Dakota. The dynamics will certainly be unusual with it being the season opener for the Jimmies. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT from Seward.

Said Daberkow, “I don’t think we change how we approach Jamestown. It will be a little bit weird because we won’t have film to scout of them. They’ll come down and they’ll be ready to play. We have to control what we can control. It’s a game between the ears. If you can just eliminate mental mistakes, take care of the football and play good defense, things usually take care of themselves.”

Jamestown set to visit for homecoming 2020

Sept 28

SEWARD, Neb. – Homecoming week has arrived on the Concordia University campus. Riding a 3-0 start, the Bulldogs will welcome Jamestown to Seward for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff on Saturday. Due to a series of postponements, the Jimmies will be making their 2020 debut at Bulldog Stadium. Unlike a typical homecoming weekend, Concordia will not hold a Friday evening Hall of Fame ceremony.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad appears to have found an identity that fits the personnel on the roster. The Bulldogs have combined a power run game with stellar defensive play and ball security on their way to three-straight victories. Last week at Briar Cliff, Concordia held the home team to just 171 total yards and nine first downs. Dominance on that side of the ball paved the way to a 24-9 win. Backup running backs Martin Solano and Lyle Whitney both found the end zone for the first time in their careers.

On the other hand, Head Coach Brian Mistro’s Jamestown team has had to push back the start of its season. The Bulldogs own the advantage of having played three times while the Jimmies will have three games worth of film on Concordia to study. Jamestown went 2-9 last season and struggled offensively, ranking in the bottom 10 nationally in scoring offense, total offense and pass offense. With the delayed beginning of the season, Jamestown is hoping to play on each of the next nine Saturdays (finale on Nov. 28).

GAME INFO
Concordia (3-0) vs. Jamestown (0-0)
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 1 p.m.
Bulldog Stadium | Seward, Neb.
Webcast/Stats: Stretch Live
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Commentators: Evan Jones and Ross Wurdeman

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Team Statistics

*2020 national rank in parentheses
NOTE: 45 of the 82 NAIA football programs that intend to play in 2020-21 have started their seasons.

Concordia
Offensive PPG: 27.3 (25th)
Defensive PPG: 14.7 (11th)
Total Offense: 373.3 (20th)
Pass Offense: 186.3 (28th)
Rush Offense: 187.0 (14th)
Total Defense: 249.3 (10th)
Pass Defense: 136.0 (8th)
Rush Defense: 113.3 (14th)
Turnover +/-: +4 (T-6th)

Jamestown (2019 stats/national ranks)
Offensive PPG: 13.6 (88th / 93)
Defensive PPG: 33.6 (69th)
Total Offense: 239.5 (89th)
Pass Offense: 112.8 (86th)
Rush Offense: 126.7 (58th)
Total Defense: 380.3 (56th)
Pass Defense: 180.9 (24th)
Rush Defense: 199.4 (79th)
Turnover +/-: -10 (76th)

2020 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

Concordia

Head Coach: Patrick Daberkow (15-18, 4th season)
Passing: Blake Culbert – 44/88 (.500), 559 yards, 2 td, 0 int, 110.9 effic.
Rushing: Jonah Weyand – 65 rushes, 384 yards, 5.9 avg, 7 td
Receiving: Korrell Koehlmoos – 10 catches, 232 yards, 23.2 avg, 1 td
Defense: Lane Napier – 17 tackles, 2 tfl’s, sack, pbu

Jamestown (2019 leaders)

Head Coach: Brian Mistro (2-9, 2nd season)
Passing: Jordan Mann – 85/179 (.475), 924 yards, 8 td, 7 int, 97.8 effic.
Rushing: Tanner Mathern – 84 rushes, 362 yards, 4.3 avg, td
Receiving: Garrett Mitchell – 48 catches, 677 yards, 14.1 avg, 6 td
Defense: Aundre Purnell – 63 tackles, 4.5 tfl’s, sack

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Concordia (3-0, 3-0 GPAC)
9/12 at Doane, W, 24-7
9/19 vs. Hastings, W, 34-28 (OT)
9/26 at Briar Cliff, W, 24-9
10/3 vs. Jamestown, 1 p.m.
10/10 at Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.
10/17 at Northwestern, 1 p.m.
10/24 vs. Dordt, 1 p.m.
11/7 vs. Morningside, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Midland, 1 p.m.

Jamestown (0-0, 0-0 GPAC)
10/3 at Concordia, 1 p.m.
10/10 at Dordt, 1 p.m.
10/17 vs. Morningside, 1 p.m.
10/24 at Midland, 1 p.m.
10/31 vs. Hastings, 1 p.m.
11/7 at Briar Cliff, 1 p.m.
11/14 vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.
11/21 vs. Doane, 1 p.m.
11/28 vs. Northwestern, 1 p.m.

Fan protocols
Concordia’s fan protocols for Saturday’s game can be viewed HERE. Bulldog Stadium can be filled up to 75 percent capacity. Face coverings must be worn by fans in attendance. Fans of the Bulldogs are advised to check COVID-19 related protocols for each road venue prior to traveling for away contests.

In the rankings
The GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll was unveiled on Aug. 26. Concordia landed at No. 7 (37 points) while Jamestown was placed at the bottom of the league (12 points). The poll resembled the final 2019 standings. The NAIA did not release an NAIA preseason national poll though Concordia and Jamestown were unlikely to garner attention nationally. In the current Massey Ratings, the Bulldogs appear at 25th while the Jimmies check in at 62nd. Concordia last appeared in the national rankings in the preseason of 2017 when it was rated 20th. Jamestown’s most recent top 25 appearance came in the preseason of 2009 when it came in at No. 24.

Concordia
GPAC preseason: 7th
Current Massey Ratings: 25th

Jamestown
GPAC preseason: 10th
Current Massey Ratings: 62nd

3-0 conference starts, GPAC era
Records of 3-0 or better in conference play have been rare for Concordia Football during the GPAC era (2000-present). In that time period, only two previous Bulldog squads won each of their first three GPAC games: the 2001 and 2013 editions. The ’01 team is arguably the greatest in program history. That particular team began the year at 7-0 inside the conference (8-0 overall) before suffering a 20-16 home loss to Hastings. The 2013 team got to 5-0 in the GPAC (6-0 overall) before a 30-28 defeat at Northwestern.

Previous 3-0 conference starts in GPAC era
2001 (final record: 10-2; shared GPAC title)
2013 (final record: 7-4; tied for 5th in GPAC)

Defense dominates at Briar Cliff
The Concordia defense completely smothered Briar Cliff last week. The Bulldogs allowed only 171 total yards, nine first downs and seven points (two points were scored by the Chargers on a safety). Furthermore, Briar Cliff converted only 5-of-17 third-down attempts, was forced to punt 12 times and fell victim to five sacks (two apiece by Chase Hammons and Logan Kreizel and one from Caydren Cox). While a large chunk of the NAIA is currently idle, the Bulldogs rank favorably on the national level. They sport current national rankings of second in sacks (10), eighth in pass defense (136.0), 10th in total defense (249.3), 11th in scoring defense (14.7), 11th in pass efficiency defense (100.8) and 14th in rush defense (113.3). Two of Concordia’s first three opponents have been held to single-digit scoring outputs.

Power run game
Despite star running back Jonah Weyand being sidelined for the second half at Briar Cliff, the Bulldogs still managed to run the ball effectively. Three backs carried the ball nine or more times: Lyle Whitney (nine carries for 73 yards, touchdown), Martin Solano (nine carries for 40 yards, touchdown) and Weyand (nine carries for 38 yards). Those three Bulldogs combined for 151 rushing yards against a stout defensive team featuring All-American defensive lineman Robert Robinson. Behind a much improved offensive line, Concordia is averaging 187.0 rushing yards per game (roughly three times its average for the 2019 season). Weyand remains the NAIA national leader in rushing yards (384) while ranking second among NAIA players in rushing touchdowns (seven).

Big play Korrell
When quarterback Blake Culbert needs a big play in the passing game, he looks for junior receiver Korrell Koehlmoos, who ranks eighth nationally in receiving yards (232). Last week Koehlmoos needed only three receptions to break 100 receiving yards for the fourth time in his career (and for the second game in a row). Last week at Briar Cliff, Koehlmoos snagged a catch that went for 61 yards and set up a 21-yard field goal by Jordan Spilinek. Koehlmoos has now gone over 1,000 receiving yards for his career. The receiver unit (which includes 2019 second team All-GPAC performer Cayden Beran) has gotten a boost with the return of Art Anderson.

Winning formula
The formula for success has included a power run game, stifling defense and ball security. The Bulldogs have yet to turn the ball over through three games and own a turnover margin of plus-four. Concordia has forced its turnovers via two interceptions (AJ Jenkins and Jourdhin Smith), a fumble recovery on defense and a fumble recovery on special teams. Offensively, Blake Culbert has thrown 88 passes without an interception and the running back group of Martin Solano, Jonah Weyand, Lyle Whitney and Devin Zeigler has carried the ball a combined 123 times without fumbling. Neither Concordia or Briar Cliff turned the ball over last week.

Offensive balance
Through three games, Concordia has rushed for 561 yards and has passed for 559 yards. When Weyand is in the game, the Bulldogs are undoubtedly a run-oriented offense. This type of balance is much more of what Patrick Daberkow and offensive coordinator Reggie Corbin have envisioned. Things got out of whack last season when Concordia threw for 2,144 yards and rushed for 658 yards. The overall average of 373.3 offensive yards per game is a considerable increase from last season’s average of 280.2.

Missing All-American
All-American linebacker Lane Napier missed last week’s contest at Briar Cliff due to injury. It marked the first game Napier has missed in his collegiate career. He had played in all previous 33 games since the start of the 2017 season. In his place, Stirling Tonniges got the start at linebacker and notched five tackles at Briar Cliff. The linebacker core was responsible for three of the team’s five sacks last week. The starters alongside Tonniges are projected to be Shayne Campbell, Caydren Cox and Jorge Ochoa. The Bulldogs still hope to get Napier (364 tackles) back yet this season.

Sack lunch
Six different Bulldogs have collected at least one sack. Concordia currently ranks second nationally with 10 sacks. Bulldogs with one sack or more include: Chase Hammons (three), Karson Dickson (two), Logan Kreizel (two), Caydren Cox (one), Eric Kieper Jr. (one) and Lane Napier (one). Dickson is the team leader with four tackles behind the line of scrimmage. The by-committee approach to rushing the passer has helped make up for the graduation of second team all-conference defensive end Aaron Rudloff (nine sacks in 2019).

Series vs. Jamestown
The two programs had never met until Jamestown became a member of the GPAC. Both meetings (2018 and 2019) have come down to the wire with the Bulldogs winning 16-13 in 2018 before the Jimmies outlasted Concordia in four overtimes, 13-10, in 2019. Those two matchups took place in North Dakota. In other words, this will be the first time Jamestown has ever visited Bulldog Stadium. With a forecasted high in the mid-60s and dry weather expected, Saturday’s matchup will be played in much better conditions than a year ago when the field in Jamestown turned into a pit of mud. Neither team reached 200 total yards of offense in the 2019 meeting despite the four overtimes.

Scouting Jamestown
Jamestown is something of an unknown considering this will be its season opener. The Jimmies are under the direction of a second-year head coach in Brian Mistro. The Jimmies welcome back three all-conference honorees: defensive lineman Vincent Corral (second team), receiver Garrett Mitchell (honorable mention) and punter Izaak Myles (second team). The last time the Jimmies took the field they defeated Briar Cliff, 31-10, in North Dakota. Like Concordia, Jamestown is looking for major improvements on the offensive side of the ball. The Jimmies averaged a mere 13.6 points per game last season. Junior Cade Torgerson is expected to start at quarterback. He saw action in nine games last season but attempted only 49 passes. He has a reliable target in Mitchell, who caught 48 passes for 677 yards and six touchdowns in 2019. Jamestown will take aim at its first winning season since going 7-3 in 2008 (went 5-5 in 2009, 2010 and 2014). This is year three of the program’s GPAC membership. They previously competed in the North Star Athletic Association.

Culbert's arm, smothering D push Dawgs to 4-0

Oct. 3

SEWARD, Neb. – Only in 2020 could a team playing its fourth game of the season go head-to-head with an opponent just beginning its campaign. By the close of the afternoon on Saturday (Oct. 3), the Concordia University Football team celebrated a happy homecoming and a 4-0 start. The Bulldogs used a strong performance from quarterback Blake Culbert and their defense on the way to a 23-3 win over Jamestown.

Fourth-year Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s program has already eclipsed its season win totals from the 2018 and 2019 campaigns (3-7 both years). In the GPAC era, the 2001 and 2013 squads are the only other Concordia editions to open up 4-0 in conference play.

“It’s always fun to be in a victorious locker room,” Daberkow said. “Nobody’s ever going to complain about that, but I thought we left a lot out there today and I think we can play a lot better than we did. We have some things to fix and our guys know that we haven’t gotten close to our ceiling yet. We need to figure out how to capitalize on some opportunities that might present themselves.”

Jonah Weyand stole the show in weeks one and two. From an offensive perspective, this was the coming out party for Culbert and the Bulldog receivers. Culbert connected with three different pass catchers for touchdowns that covered 17 yards to Cayden Beran, nine yards to Cole Schaedel and 41 yards to Korrell Koehlmoos. Culbert totaled 361 passing yards while completing 24-of-41 attempts for the first 300-yard day of his career.

The Concordia defense was its usual stingy self. Chase Hammons (five sacks this season) and Gerald Morris collected two sacks apiece for yet another tenacious performance coordinated by Corby Osten. Even when the defense bent, it never broke. The Bulldogs forced a turnover (fumble recovered by Peyton Mitchell) on the game’s opening possession and limited the Jimmies to 265 total yards.

Despite the absence of Weyand, the Bulldogs did not abandon the run. Freshman Lyle Whitney has been the team’s leading rusher in back-to-back weeks. He got his first career start on Saturday and carried the ball 24 times for 86 bruising yards. Whitney was responsible for almost all of the team’s 101 rushing yards.

Four weeks into 2020, it’s clear: the offense is vastly improved. Culbert, Weyand and the coaching staff have been quick to point to the offensive line. When requested for a postgame interview, Culbert brought the entire starting line along with him. Center Johnny Robinson III even told the story of how he got the nickname “Potroast.”

Said Culbert in deflecting credit to his sure-handed group of pass catchers, “When you have a receiver core that’s that good with everyone out there, you have to (spread the ball around). You can’t just go to one guy the whole time.”

Culbert found four different receivers frequently: Koehlmoos (six catches for 113 yards), Schaedel (five catches for 84 yards), Garrett Schardt (five catches for 78 yards) and Beran (five catches for 55 yards). The touchdowns snags by Beran and Schaedel were particularly highlight-worthy considering the impressiveness of the pitch and catch. Koehlmoos has now gone over 100 receiving yards in three-straight games.

If the offense happens to struggle as it did during parts of the first half, Concordia can always hang its hat on its defense. Jamestown showed some offensive wrinkles the Bulldogs did not expect, but you couldn’t necessarily tell by the results. When he wasn’t getting sacked, Jimmie quarterback Cade Torgerson threw for 220 yards. Garret Mitchell caught six passes for 73 yards. Jamestown finished with only 45 rushing yards.

Concordia has held three of its first four opponents to single-digit point totals. Hammons has played a big role in that success. Said Hammons, “We have a lot of guys stepping up at positions where guys have gone down. It’s that next man up mentality. We’ve had guys step up and fill those roles and it’s been great to see … I got lucky and happened to be there (for two sacks). It was great to see us just pursue the ball.”

One sack each was also contributed by Eric Kieper Jr., Payton Kidder and Keon Waters. In the secondary, Isiaha Conner had an active day that included three pass breakups. Jourdhin Smith and AJ Jenkins also broke up two passes apiece.

Despite the delay to its season, the Jimmies hung tough for a half (10-3 deficit). With the way Concordia’s defense played, the two third-quarter touchdown passes by Culbert made it feel like a comfortable margin.

The Bulldogs will be back on the road next Saturday (Oct. 10) to play at Dakota Wesleyan (1-3 GPAC). Kickoff from Mitchell, S.D., is set for 1 p.m. CT. DWU picked up its first win of the season on Saturday, 29-26, over Doane.

Said Daberkow of DWU, “They’re a good team. They beat Doane. They’re going to be prepared. Coach (Ross) Cimpl is a good coach and it’ll be a dogfight just like it is every week in this conference. Everything about being 4-0 is old news after tonight.”

Undefeated Dawgs look to end drought at DWU

Oct. 5

SEWARD, Neb. – The win streak to begin 2020 continued last week behind another stellar defensive performance. The Bulldogs recorded seven sacks while smothering Jamestown in the 23-3 homecoming victory. There’s a long way to go, but Concordia finds itself in an enviable position as one of three 4-0 teams in NAIA football. The Bulldogs will ride that unblemished mark into Saturday’s game at Dakota Wesleyan. Kickoff from Joe Quintal Field is set for 1 p.m. CT.

This is the type of success Head Coach Patrick Daberkow has building towards after back-to-back 3-7 seasons (2018 and 2019). Concordia has shown it can run the ball effectively with Jonah Weyand and last week it realized some the potential it has in the passing game. Blake Culbert threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns. The latter two gave the Bulldogs some breathing room against a Jimmie squad that played its season opener in Seward.

Dakota Wesleyan has been a perennially strong program within the GPAC, but slipped to records of 2-9 in 2018 and 3-8 in 2019. In his ninth season as head coach, Ross Cimpl is trying to steer the Tigers back above the .500 mark. Last week was a start. Dakota Wesleyan shook off a fourth quarter deficit at Doane with a 23-yard touchdown run by Jamin Arend for the deciding score. Dakota Wesleyan emerged with a 29-26 victory for its first triumph of 2020.

GAME INFO
Concordia (4-0) at Dakota Wesleyan (1-3)
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 1 p.m.
Joe Quintal Field | Mitchell, S.D.
Webcast/Stats: Stretch Live
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Commentators: Evan Jones and Ross Wurdeman

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Team Statistics

*2020 national rank in parentheses
NOTE: 46 of the 95 NAIA football programs that intend to play in 2020-21 have started their seasons.

Concordia
Offensive PPG: 26.3 (19th)
Defensive PPG: 11.8 (6th)
Total Offense: 395.5 (14th)
Pass Offense: 230.0 (14th)
Rush Offense: 165.5 (18th)
Total Defense: 253.3 (10th)
Pass Defense: 157.0 (10th)
Rush Defense: 96.3 (9th)
Turnover +/-: +3 (T-7th)

Dakota Wesleyan
Offensive PPG: 15.5 (38th)
Defensive PPG: 42.0 (40th)
Total Offense: 284.0 (35th)
Pass Offense: 209.8 (23rd)
Rush Offense: 74.3 (42nd)
Total Defense: 475.0 (T-41st)
Pass Defense: 207.3 (26th)
Rush Defense: 267.8 (43rd)
Turnover +/-: +3 (T-7th)

2020 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

Concordia
Head Coach: Patrick Daberkow (16-18, 4th season)
Passing: Blake Culbert – 68/129 (.527), 920 yards, 5 td, 0 int, 125.4 effic.
Rushing: Jonah Weyand – 65 rushes, 384 yards, 5.9 avg, 7 td
Receiving: Korrell Koehlmoos – 16 catches, 345 yards, 21.6 avg, 2 td
Defense: Chase Hammons – 11 tackles, 5 tfl’s, 5 sacks

Dakota Wesleyan
Head Coach: Ross Cimpl (50-41, 9th season)
Passing: Zachary Lester – 73/118 (.619), 719 yards, 6 td, 4 int, 123.0 effic.
Rushing: Jamin Arend – 51 rushes, 148 yards, 2.9 avg, td
Receiving: Spencer Neugebauer – 27 catches, 316 yards, 11.7 avg, 3 td
Defense: Samuel Kretschmar – 33 tackles, 1.5 tfl’s, int

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Concordia (4-0, 4-0 GPAC)
9/12 at Doane, W, 24-7
9/19 vs. Hastings, W, 34-28 (OT)
9/26 at Briar Cliff, W, 24-9
10/3 vs. Jamestown, W, 23-3
10/10 at Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.
10/17 at Northwestern, 1 p.m.
10/24 vs. Dordt, 1 p.m.
11/7 vs. Morningside, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Midland, 1 p.m.

Dakota Wesleyan (1-3, 1-3 GPAC)
9/12 at Hastings, L, 7-45
9/19 at Northwestern, L, 16-50
9/26 vs. Dordt, L, 10-47
10/3 at Doane, W, 29-26
10/10 vs. Concordia, 1 p.m.
10/17 vs. Midland, 1 p.m.
10/24 at Morningside, 1 p.m.
10/31 vs. Briar Cliff, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Jamestown, 1 p.m.

Fan protocols/ticketing
Dakota Wesleyan’s fan protocols for Saturday’s game can be viewed HERE. DWU will be limiting capacity and is encouraging fans to purchase advance tickets online through its website HERE. Per GPAC guidelines, face coverings must be worn by fans in attendance. Fans of the Bulldogs are advised to check COVID-19 related protocols for each road venue prior to traveling for away contests.

In the rankings
The GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll was unveiled on Aug. 26. Concordia landed at No. 7 (37 points) while Dakota Wesleyan was placed ninth in the league (22 points). The poll resembled the final 2019 standings. The NAIA has not released a single national poll this year. In the current Massey Ratings, the Bulldogs appear at 25th while the Tigers check in at 63rd. Concordia last appeared in the national rankings in the preseason of 2017 when it was rated 20th. Dakota Wesleyan’s most recent top 25 appearance came in October 2017 when it polled at No. 22. The Tigers found their way into the top 25 at least once every season from 2008 through 2017.

Concordia
GPAC preseason: 7th
Current Massey Ratings: 25th

Dakota Wesleyan
GPAC preseason: 9th
Current Massey Ratings: 63rd

4-0 conference starts, GPAC era
Records of 4-0 or better in conference play have been rare for Concordia Football during the GPAC era (2000-present). In that time period, only two previous Bulldog squads won each of their first four GPAC games: the 2001 and 2013 editions. The ’01 team is arguably the greatest in program history. That particular team began the year at 7-0 inside the conference (8-0 overall) before suffering a 20-16 home loss to Hastings. The 2013 team got to 5-0 in the GPAC (6-0 overall) before a 30-28 defeat at Northwestern.

Previous 3-0 conference starts in GPAC era
2001 (final record: 10-2; shared GPAC title)
2013 (final record: 7-4; tied for 5th in GPAC)

Hammons earns GPAC honor
Senior defensive end Chase Hammons has been a pleasant surprise as a pass rusher off the edge. After notching two sacks, three tackles and a quarterback hurry in last week’s victory, Hammons earned the GPAC Defensive Player of the Week award. He’s the second Bulldog to be honored by the conference this season. Running back Jonah Weyand also garnered GPAC and NAIA National Offensive Player of the Week accolades on Sept. 21. Hammons is the GPAC and NAIA leader with five sacks on the season. The native of Columbus, Neb., has run his collegiate career totals to 49 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.

Defense continues dominant ways
The defense is dominating despite the absence of All-American linebacker Lane Napier the past two weeks (Briar Cliff and Jamestown games). Coach Corby Osten’s unit has displayed considerable depth in the defensive line and linebacker groups. In the win over Jamestown, the Bulldogs held the Jimmies to 265 total yards and 15 first downs. Concordia created a turnover on the opening possession of the game (led to a field goal), posted seven sacks and forced Jamestown to punt eight times. Five different Bulldogs got into the backfield for at least one sack: Chase Hammons (two), Gerald Morris (two), Payton Kidder (one), Eric Kieper Jr. (one) and Keon Waters (one). Osten’s defense has limited three of its first four opponents to single-digit point totals.

Culbert’s big day
Blake Culbert carved up Jamestown’s secondary for 361 passing yards and three touchdowns. The passing total ranks as the second highest in a single game in Concordia Football history (Andrew Perea’s 455 yards passing versus Northwestern in 2018 represents the school record). Culbert fired touchdown passes of 17 yards to Cayden Beran, nine yards to Cole Schaedel and 41 yards to Korrell Koehlmoos. Of course playing the maximum number of games (four) to this point helps – but Culbert ranks second in the NAIA this season in passing yards with 920. The program’s single-season passing yardage record of 2,150 by Jarrod Pimentel has stood since 2001.

Money Team
Culbert has been helped by improved offensive line play and by a deep and talented receiver group. Last week Culbert connected with four different receivers five or more times: Korrell Koehlmoos (six catches for 113 yards), Cole Schaedel (five catches for 84 yards), Garrett Schardt (five catches for 78 yards) and Cayden Beran (five catches for 55 yards). On the season, Beran (19 catches for 199 yards) tops the team in receptions while Koehlmoos (16 catches for 345 yards and two touchdowns) paces the squad in receiving yards. Koehlmoos has gone past 100 receiving yards in three-straight games and ranks No. 4 nationally in that category. Meanwhile, Beran ranks fifth nationally for total number of catches.

Whitney steps in
Sophomore running back Lyle Whitney has led the team in rushing in back-to-back weeks, going for 73 yards on 16 carries at Briar Cliff and then 86 yards on 24 attempts versus Jamestown. Whitney has gotten the lion’s share of the carries in place of Jonah Weyand, who has been banged up. Whitney did not have a single college carry until this season (made his first career start last week). Concordia hopes to get Weyand back soon. Despite sitting out the Jamestown game, Weyand still ranks second nationally in rushing yards with 384. The Crete native has rushed for seven touchdowns in 2020.

Sacks piling up
The seven sacks posted last week vaulted the Bulldogs to No. 1 in the nation with 17 sacks on the season. The production has been especially impressive considering Concordia graduated its top pass rusher from 2019 in Aaron Rudloff (nine sacks). The Bulldogs notched a solid 30 sacks last season. Nine Concordia players have at least one sack this season with Chase Hammons (five), Karson Dickson (two), Logan Kreizel (two) and Gerald Morris (two) leading the way.

On the mend
Concordia came out of last week with a 20-point margin of victory though it was missing arguably its best player on both sides of the ball – running back Jonah Weyand and linebacker Lane Napier. Both players are hoping to return this Saturday. As of now, both are questionable to play. If Napier can return to the lineup again soon, he may still have time to reach 400 tackles for his career. The three-time first team All-GPAC performer owns career totals of 364 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, seven pass breakups and an interception. The Bulldogs were also missing linebacker Logan Kreizel (two sacks at Briar Cliff) last week.

Undefeateds
Less than half of all NAIA football programs have played a game in 2020. Among those that have played at least once, Concordia is one of 11 undefeated teams. Only two others have reached 4-0: Bethel College (Kan.) and Dickinson State University (N.D.). Another two NAIA teams are 3-0: Keiser University (Fla.) and Southeastern University (Fla.). Concordia and Morningside (2-0) are the lone two GPAC squads that have yet to suffer a loss in 2020. Undefeated seasons in Bulldog Football history have been hard to come by. There have been three of those seasons with them having occurred in 1945 (6-0), 1944 (8-0) and 1931 (7-0).

Series vs. Dakota Wesleyan
Three-straight wins over Dakota Wesleyan have given Concordia an 11-9 lead all-time in the series. The first two meetings occurred prior to the formation of the GPAC. The Bulldogs defeated the Tigers, 36-29, in 1984 and then fell to them, 28-21, in 1985. The two programs finally met again in 2000 as GPAC members. Each of the last three meetings have been contested in Seward. Concordia has not had much luck when playing in Mitchell. Dakota Wesleyan has beaten the Bulldogs each of the last five times the two sides have played in South Dakota. The most recent Concordia win at Dakota Wesleyan came in 2007 when JaMaine Lewis ran wild for 261 yards and four touchdowns.

Scouting Dakota Wesleyan
The vintage Dakota Wesleyan teams of the recent past have featured high-powered offenses. It was a chore dealing with four-year starting quarterbacks Dillon Turner (10,704 passing yards and 3,215 rushing yards for his career) and Jon Bane (9,224 passing yards, 83 touchdown passes for his career) over an eight-year stretch. Reclaiming that identity has not been easy. The Tiger offense averaged 20.4 points in 2018 and 21.6 points in 2019 (the two years following Turner’s graduation). Dakota Wesleyan got out to a rough start this season before last week’s tight victory at Doane. The playmaker to watch out for is senior receiver Spencer Neugebauer, who has 141 catches for 2,013 yards and 10 touchdowns on his career ledger. The Tigers are trying to shore things up defensively after allowing each of their first three opponents to eclipse the 40-point mark. Considering the history here, Concordia won’t expect things to be easy on Saturday. From a head coaching perspective, there’s plenty of mutual respect between Ross Cimpl and Patrick Daberkow.

Hammons tabbed GPAC Defensive Player of the Week

Oct. 5

SEWARD, Neb. – Another dominant defensive effort resulted in a conference award for the Concordia University Football team. Senior defensive end Chase Hammons has been named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Defensive Player of the Week. This marks the first career GPAC weekly honor for Hammons. He joins Jonah Weyand (Sept. 21) as the second Bulldog to pick up weekly recognition in 2020.

A native of Columbus, Neb., Hammons has starred as the team’s most effective pass rusher. He recorded a pair of sacks, three tackles and a quarterback hurry in last week’s 23-3 victory over Jamestown. Both of his sacks were quickly followed by Jimmie punts. As a unit, the Concordia defense held the Jimmies to 265 total yards and 15 first downs while keeping them out of the end zone. Hammons and the Bulldog pass rush racked up seven sacks for the game.

Hammons is the current GPAC and NAIA national leader with five sacks this season. The Concordia defense also tops the country with 17 sacks in 2020. Defensive Coordinator Corby Osten’s unit also ranks sixth nationally in scoring defense (11.8) and 10th in the NAIA in total defense (253.3).

The Bulldogs (4-0) will put their unbeaten record on the line on Saturday when they travel to Dakota Wesleyan (1-3) for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff in Mitchell, S.D.

Undefeated record to be put to test at Northwestern

Oct. 12

SEWARD, Neb. – Following an unexpected Saturday off, the Concordia University Football team will return to action. The Bulldogs face their stiffest challenge yet in 2020 with a trip to Northwestern up next. Saturday’s kickoff from Orange City, Iowa, is set for 1 p.m. CT. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad remains at 4-0 after last week’s scheduled game at Dakota Wesleyan was postponed. Last time out, Concordia earned a 23-3 homecoming win over Jamestown.

Prior to last week, the Bulldogs had played each of their first four GPAC games as scheduled. In addition to the victory over Jamestown, Concordia owns wins over Doane, Hastings and Briar Cliff. Daberkow has the program out to its first 4-0 start since 2013. Based on the GPAC preseason poll, the road ahead will be a difficult one. The Bulldogs have not claimed victory in Orange City since 2002.

Head Coach Matt McCarty would like to continue that trend. His Red Raiders had a bye last week, following a 48-40 shootout win at Dordt. Northwestern stands at 2-1 with its only loss being a competitive 45-31 defeat at defending NAIA national champion Morningside. Concordia’s defense has been stout so far, but it hasn’t faced a quarterback as dynamic as Tyson Kooima (3,007 passing yards and 33 total touchdowns in 2019). Northwestern boasts the nation’s top-rated pass offense. McCarty has led the Red Raiders to the NAIA playoffs in three-straight years.

GAME INFO
Concordia (4-0) at Northwestern (2-1)
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 1 p.m.
De Valois Stadium | Orange City, Iowa
Webcast: Red Raiders All-Access
Stats: Sidearm
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Commentators: Evan Jones and Ross Wurdeman

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Team Statistics

*2020 national rank in parentheses
NOTE: 47 of the 95 NAIA football programs that intend to play in 2020-21 have started their seasons.

Concordia
Offensive PPG: 26.3 (22nd)
Defensive PPG: 11.8 (5th)
Total Offense: 395.5 (15th)
Pass Offense: 230.0 (15th)
Rush Offense: 165.5 (18th)
Total Defense: 253.3 (8th)
Pass Defense: 157.0 (10th)
Rush Defense: 96.3 (11th)
Turnover +/-: +3 (T-8th)

Northwestern
Offensive PPG: 43.0 (T-8th)
Defensive PPG: 33.7 (32nd)
Total Offense: 545.3 (2nd)
Pass Offense: 370.0 (1st)
Rush Offense: 175.3 (15th)
Total Defense: 473.0 (40th)
Pass Defense: 277.0 (42nd)
Rush Defense: 196.0 (34th)
Turnover +/-: -6 (T-43rd)

2020 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

Northwestern
Head Coach: Matt McCarty (32-14, 5th season)
Passing: Tyson Kooima – 46/75 (.613), 1,009 yards, 10 td, 3 int, 210.3 effic.; 211 rushing yards, td
Rushing: Konner McQuillan – 22 rushes, 100 yards, 4.5 avg, 2 td
Receiving: Cade Moser – 16 catches, 367 yards, 22.9 avg, 4 td
Defense: Parker Fryar – 28 tackles, 2 tfl’s

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Concordia (4-0, 4-0 GPAC)
9/12 at Doane, W, 24-7
9/19 vs. Hastings, W, 34-28 (OT)
9/26 at Briar Cliff, W, 24-9
10/3 vs. Jamestown, W, 23-3
10/17 at Northwestern, 1 p.m.
10/24 vs. Dordt, 1 p.m.
11/7 vs. Morningside, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Midland, 1 p.m.
11/21 at Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.

Northwestern (2-1, 2-1 GPAC)
9/12 at Morningside, L, 31-45
9/19 vs. Dakota Wesleyan, W, 50-16
10/3 at Dordt, W, 48-40
10/17 vs. Concordia, 1 p.m.
10/24 at Doane, 1 p.m.
10/31 vs. Midland, 1 p.m.
11/7 at Hastings, 1 p.m.
11/14 vs. Briar Cliff, 1 p.m.
11/28 at Jamestown, 1 p.m.

In the rankings
The GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll was unveiled on Aug. 26. Concordia landed at No. 7 (37 points) while Northwestern was placed second in the league (73 points; one first-place vote). The poll resembled the final 2019 standings. The NAIA has not released a single national poll this year. In the current Massey Ratings, the Bulldogs appear at 30th while the Red Raiders check in at eighth. Concordia last appeared in the national rankings in the preseason of 2017 when it was rated 20th. Northwestern has been a regular in the top 25. The Red Raiders were ranked 10th in the 2019 NAIA postseason poll after falling in the first round of the NAIA playoffs.

Concordia
GPAC preseason: 7th
Current Massey Ratings: 30th

Northwestern
GPAC preseason: 2nd
Current Massey Ratings: 8th

4-0 conference starts, GPAC era
Records of 4-0 or better in conference play have been rare for Concordia Football during the GPAC era (2000-present). In that time period, only two previous Bulldog squads won each of their first four GPAC games: the 2001 and 2013 editions. The ’01 team is arguably the greatest in program history. That particular team began the year at 7-0 inside the conference (8-0 overall) before suffering a 20-16 home loss to Hastings. The 2013 team got to 5-0 in the GPAC (6-0 overall) before a 30-28 defeat at Northwestern.

Previous 4-0 conference starts in GPAC era
2001 (final record: 10-2; shared GPAC title)
2013 (final record: 7-4; tied for 5th in GPAC)

What opposing coaches are saying
The comments below were taken from pregame interviews play-by-play voice Evan Jones conducted leading up to matchups with Concordia.

Chris Bessler, Doane
(Lane Napier) is a good one. You’ve got to get a body on that guy. He’s a good football player and he’s going to make plays. You have to know where he’s at all the time and what they’re trying to do with him … I anticipate them trying to establish a running game and a quick passing game and try to take control of the tempo of the game.

Tony Harper, Hastings
Concordia is one of the most physical teams in the conference … Every time you talk about Concordia – and I don’t care who is there whether it was Coach (Courtney) Meyer, Coach (Vance) Winter and now Coach Daberkow – it’s their defense. That defense is solid. Their defensive line gets off the ball. They’re big, they’re physical. Their linebackers as a core could be one of the top two in the conference. The corners they’ve got can run man-to-man. They do a really good job. Then you look over at their offense. Their o-line – this was just from watching their film – I believe is one of the top two in this conference. They’re athletic. They’re not as big as they have been, but they’re athletic, they’re physical, they’re fast, they get off the ball … And you have to talk about those long receivers who killed us last year just going up and beating us on 50/50 balls. You can’t forget about the running back who had one heck of a game against Doane. That guy is physical and he runs downhill. Once you think you’ve got him wrapped up he’s going to break the tackle. Then he gets tired and they bring in another guy that’s just as fast and physical as him. In my opinion, this is the best Concordia team I’ve seen in a long time.

Brian Mistro, Jamestown
They’re going to hit you in the mouth. You’re going to get punched in the mouth when you play Concordia. It’s a physical team. The running back is running for a lot of yards and playing his tail off. The quarterback makes good decisions … They’re not turning the ball over. Coach Daberkow’s got those guys playing really well … (from Jamestown Sun) They have some skill guys that are pretty good, their running back’s been running over everybody, their defense is stout and really disciplined … (Jonah Weyand) runs like he’s mad at somebody.”

Dennis Wagner, Briar Cliff
They obviously can run the ball and that sets up their passing game. They like to get on the edges when they throw. They’re not a real big drop back team. They get out on the edge or they go play action if they’re going to stay in the pocket. A lot of it’s based off the running game.

Defense continues dominant ways
The defense is dominating despite the absence of All-American linebacker Lane Napier the past two outings (Briar Cliff and Jamestown games). Coach Corby Osten’s unit has displayed considerable depth in the defensive line and linebacker groups. In the win over Jamestown, the Bulldogs held the Jimmies to 265 total yards and 15 first downs. Concordia created a turnover on the opening possession of the game (led to a field goal), posted seven sacks and forced Jamestown to punt eight times. Five different Bulldogs got into the backfield for at least one sack: Chase Hammons (two), Gerald Morris (two), Payton Kidder (one), Eric Kieper Jr. (one) and Keon Waters (one). Osten’s defense has limited three of its first four opponents to single-digit point totals.

Culbert’s big day
Blake Culbert carved up Jamestown’s secondary for 361 passing yards and three touchdowns. The passing total ranks as the second highest in a single game in Concordia Football history (Andrew Perea’s 455 yards passing versus Northwestern in 2018 represents the school record). Culbert fired touchdown passes of 17 yards to Cayden Beran, nine yards to Cole Schaedel and 41 yards to Korrell Koehlmoos. At the conclusion of this season’s week four, Culbert ranked second in the NAIA in passing yards with 920. The program’s single-season passing yardage record of 2,150 by Jarrod Pimentel has stood since 2001.

Money Team
Culbert has been helped by improved offensive line play and by a deep and talented receiver group. In the win over Jamestown, Culbert connected with four different receivers five or more times: Korrell Koehlmoos (six catches for 113 yards), Cole Schaedel (five catches for 84 yards), Garrett Schardt (five catches for 78 yards) and Cayden Beran (five catches for 55 yards). On the season, Beran (19 catches for 199 yards) tops the team in receptions while Koehlmoos (16 catches for 345 yards and two touchdowns) paces the squad in receiving yards. Koehlmoos has gone past 100 receiving yards in three-straight games and ranks No. 8 nationally in that category. Meanwhile, Beran ranks 13th nationally for total number of catches.

Whitney steps in
Sophomore running back Lyle Whitney has led the team in rushing in back-to-back weeks, going for 73 yards on 16 carries at Briar Cliff and then 86 yards on 24 attempts versus Jamestown. Whitney has gotten the lion’s share of the carries in place of Jonah Weyand, who has been banged up. Whitney did not have a single college carry until this season (made his first career start last week). Concordia hopes to get Weyand back soon. Despite sitting out the Jamestown game, Weyand still ranks fifth nationally in rushing yards with 384. The Crete native has rushed for seven touchdowns in 2020.

Sacks piling up
The seven sacks posted two weeks ago vaulted the Bulldogs to No. 1 in the nation with 17 sacks on the season. The production has been especially impressive considering Concordia graduated its top pass rusher from 2019 in Aaron Rudloff (nine sacks). The Bulldogs notched a solid 30 sacks last season. Nine Concordia players have at least one sack this season with Chase Hammons (five), Karson Dickson (two), Logan Kreizel (two) and Gerald Morris (two) leading the way.

On the mend
Concordia came out of the Jamestown game with a 20-point margin of victory though it was missing arguably its best player on both sides of the ball – running back Jonah Weyand and linebacker Lane Napier. Both players are hoping to return this Saturday. If Napier can return to the lineup again soon, he may still have time to reach 400 tackles for his career. The three-time first team All-GPAC performer owns career totals of 364 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, seven pass breakups and an interception. The Bulldogs were also missing linebacker Logan Kreizel (two sacks at Briar Cliff) versus Jamestown.

Undefeateds
Less than half of all NAIA football programs have played a game in 2020. Among those that have played at least once, Concordia is one of 11 undefeated teams. Dickinson State University (N.D.) headlines the list with a 5-0 record. The Bulldogs are joined by Bethel College (Kan.) and Keiser University (Fla.) with 4-0 marks. Grand View University (Iowa), Kansas Wesleyan University and Morningside are each 3-0. Concordia and Morningside are the lone two GPAC squads that have yet to suffer a loss in 2020. Undefeated seasons in Bulldog Football history have been hard to come by. There have been three of those seasons with them having occurred in 1945 (6-0), 1944 (8-0) and 1931 (7-0).

CUNE alum takes reins of Red Raider athletic department
A familiar face was announced as the Vice President of Athletics at Northwestern College back in May. That would be Dr. Micah Parker, previously the Director of Athletics at NCAA Division I California Baptist University. Parker is a Concordia-Nebraska graduate and a native of Grand Island. He served as head coach of the Bulldog Women’s Basketball program from 1998-2002 and also spent time as an assistant men’s basketball coach under Grant Schmidt. Parker is a friend of Concordia AD Devin Smith.

Series vs. Northwestern
Northwestern has had the upper hand, winning 28 of the first 42 meetings with Concordia in a series that began in 1960 (the first year of football at Northwestern). The Bulldogs most recent win over Northwestern occurred inside Bulldog Stadium in 2016 when they held off the Red Raiders, 9-7, in a defensive battle. Concordia has not emerged from Orange City with a victory since 2002 when the Bulldogs topped Northwestern, 43-37. In last year’s matchup in Seward, the Bulldogs were competitive with the then sixth-ranked Red Raiders. Concordia managed to hold a potent Northwestern offense to 20 points and 412 total yards. Tyson Kooima and the Red Raiders came away with a 20-14 victory.

Scouting Northwestern
This will be the stiffest challenge yet for the Bulldogs. Northwestern possesses a potent offense led by senior quarterback Tyson Kooima. Since the start of the 2017 season, the only GPAC opponent that has defeated the Red Raiders is Morningside (four times). A former NAIA All-American player at Northwestern, Matt McCarty is in his fifth season heading a program that has been a consistent winner. Before becoming head coach, McCarty served as the Northwestern defensive coordinator from 2005-15. The Red Raiders have been known to have great defensive squads over the years, but their defense is now overshadowed by a passing game that ranks No. 1 nationally. Kooima has two main receiving targets in Cade Moser and All-American Shane Solberg. Northwestern is allowing 473.0 yards per game, but that likely has something to do with an early season schedule that has included games against Morningside and Dordt. While Morningside is the favorite in the GPAC, Northwestern again has aspirations of reaching the NAIA playoffs.

Bulldogs push Red Raiders in first defeat of 2020

Oct. 17

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – A bend-but-don’t-break defense kept the Concordia University Football team in a four-quarter battle at Northwestern in Orange City, Iowa, on Saturday (Oct. 17) afternoon. The Bulldogs trailed by just one score in the final quarter before falling, 31-17. Star quarterback Tyson Kooima and the Red Raider offense piled up 417 passing yards in another prolific performance.

It was a gritty effort that allowed Concordia to claw back into it after trailing 13-0 at halftime. However, fourth-year Head Coach Patrick Daberkow insists his squad is beyond taking satisfaction in moral victories. The Bulldogs (4-1) traveled to northwest Iowa expecting to raise some eyebrows.

“We have to develop that killer instinct,” Daberkow said. “We’re not there yet so we have work to do. This one stings a lot … I’m disappointed they got that last touchdown because it wasn’t indicative of the game. This was a team that had punted three times all season. It’s a very good offense and I was proud of the game plan Coach (Corby) Osten and the defensive staff put together. That quarterback is about as special as they come. We have to delete it and move on.”

No team is ever going to completely shut down Kooima, but Concordia’s defense did a commendable job in forcing three field goal attempts and by creating a couple turnovers thanks to an interception apiece from Isaiah Conner and Caydren Cox. The Bulldogs still had a fighting chance until Kooima found Shane Solberg for a 19-yard touchdown connection, making it a two-score game in the final few minutes.

Concordia eventually settled in after Northwestern (3-1) turned its first two offensive possessions into a 10-0 lead. The Bulldogs cashed in four plays after Conner’s pick when Blake Culbert fired a 16-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Schardt at the 10:25 mark of the third quarter. That cut the deficit to 13-7 at the time. Culbert and Schardt hooked up again in that same period on a 17-yard scoring play that got Concordia within two (16-14).

Kooima responded by throwing his first of two touchdown passes to Solberg for a 23-14 lead late in the third quarter. The Bulldogs edged closer with the help of a 10-play, 69-yard drive that resulted in a 22-yard field goal from Jordan Spilinek. Then in the fourth quarter, Cox’s interception set Concordia up at the Northwestern 29 with a chance to take the lead (down 23-17). The Bulldogs advanced the ball to the 16-yard line before an interception came on fourth-and-7.

The Red Raiders outgained Concordia, 552-317, while turnovers were even at two apiece. Jonah Weyand (26 carries for 87 yards) returned from injury and provided a boost in the running game. Culbert finished 17-of-40 for 234 yards and two touchdowns (first two interceptions of 2020) through the air. Schardt reeled in seven passes for 132 yards as part of his big day.

Kooima found Solberg early and often. The school record breaking duo shined on Saturday. Solberg caught 11 receptions for 277 yards and two scores. The Northwestern running game produced 135 yards on 36 attempts.

Despite all that offensive production, the Red Raiders had difficulty putting this one away. It’s a credit to how far the Bulldogs have come since last season. The next step for Concordia will be figuring out a way to win against the elite teams in the GPAC. Northwestern has made three-straight NAIA playoff appearances.

“We’re so done with that,” Daberkow said of the idea that this was some sort of moral victory. “It’s hard to be there and not finish a game. We had 100 percent belief in our locker room. We have to turn the corner with this program and make Bulldog Nation proud and go get a win that people on the outside don’t think we’re going to get. We have some opportunities left to do that.”

Conner was credited with nine tackles to lead the Bulldog defense. All-American linebacker Lane Napier returned to the starting lineup and made five stops. A sack apiece was turned in by Karson Dickson and Gerald Morris.

The Bulldogs will attempt to return to the win column next Saturday (Oct. 24) when they will host Dordt (4-1) for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff. The Defenders cruised past Doane, 44-19, on Saturday. Dordt has won back-to-back meetings with Concordia (both played in Sioux Center, Iowa).

Bulldogs return home to host Dordt off of season's first loss

Oct. 19

SEWARD, Neb. – For the first time in 2020, the Concordia University Football team is looking to respond from a loss. The Bulldogs battled a powerful Northwestern offense for four quarters last week before falling by a two-touchdown margin. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad now prepares for another prolific offensive team with Dordt slated to be on hand at Bulldog Stadium this Saturday. Concordia (4-1) has won its previous two home games this season (over Hastings and Jamestown).

Daberkow is determined to advance his program to a point where it turns the corner against opponents such as Northwestern and Dordt. While the Bulldogs surrendered more than 400 passing yards to quarterback Tyson Kooima, they hung tight with the Red Raiders by allowing only two touchdowns on seven red zone trips. Concordia pushed the ball into the red zone in the middle of the fourth quarter with a chance to take the lead (down 23-17) before an interception on fourth down ended the threat.

Head Coach Joel Penner (fifth year) has transformed the program at Dordt, which began playing football in 2008. The next step in the eyes of the Defenders might just be earning a spot in the NAIA playoffs (something they have not yet achieved in their brief history). Last week Dordt dominated Doane, winning by a final score of 44-19. The Defenders owned an advantage of 528-162 in total yards. The offensive attack revolves around impressive dual-threat quarterback in Noah Clayberg (former University of Iowa player).

GAME INFO
Dordt (4-1) at Concordia (4-1)
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 1 p.m.
Bulldog Stadium | Seward, Neb.
Webcast/Stats: Stretch Live
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Commentators: Evan Jones and Ross Wurdeman

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Team Statistics

*2020 national rank in parentheses
NOTE: 49 of the 95 NAIA football programs that intend to play in 2020-21 have started their seasons.

Concordia
Offensive PPG: 24.4 (24th)
Defensive PPG: 15.6 (8th)
Total Offense: 383.4 (17th)
Pass Offense: 230.8 (16th)
Rush Offense: 152.6 (24th)
Total Defense: 314.0 (20th)
Pass Defense: 207.0 (28th)
Rush Defense: 107.0 (14th)
Turnover +/-: +3 (T-9th)

Dordt
Offensive PPG: 43.8 (7th)
Defensive PPG: 20.8 (20th)
Total Offense: 532.2 (4th)
Pass Offense: 239.6 (11th)
Rush Offense: 292.6 (3rd)
Total Defense: 306.8 (18th)
Pass Defense: 196.0 (24th)
Rush Defense: 110.8 (15th)
Turnover +/-: +1 (T-19th)

2020 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

Concordia
Head Coach: Patrick Daberkow (16-19, 4th season)
Passing: Blake Culbert – 85/169 (.503), 1,154 yards, 7 td, 2 int, 119.0 effic.
Rushing: Jonah Weyand – 91 rushes, 471 yards, 5.2 avg, 7 td
Receiving: Korrell Koehlmoos – 18 catches, 383 yards, 21.3 avg, 2 td
Defense: Chase Hammons – 12 tackles, 5 tfl’s, 5 sacks

Dordt
Head Coach: Joel Penner (28-19, 5th season)
Passing: Noah Clayberg – 77/114 (.675), 979 yards, 7 td, 2 in, 156.5 effic.; 75 rushes, 528 yards, 7.0 avg, 9 td
Rushing: Carter Schiebout – 66 rushes, 420 yards, 6.4 avg, 5 td
Receiving: Levi Jungling – 37 catches, 479 yards, 12.9 avg, 3 td
Defense: Josh Mrazek – 29 tackles, 4.5 tackles, 0.5 sacks

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Concordia (4-1, 4-1 GPAC)
9/12 at Doane, W, 24-7
9/19 vs. Hastings, W, 34-28 (OT)
9/26 at Briar Cliff, W, 24-9
10/3 vs. Jamestown, W, 23-3
10/17 at Northwestern, L, 17-31
10/24 vs. Dordt, 1 p.m.
11/7 vs. Morningside, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Midland, 1 p.m.
11/21 at Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.

Dordt (4-1, 4-1 GPAC)
9/12 at Midland, W, 22-14
9/26 at Dakota Wesleyan, W, 47-10
10/3 vs. Northwestern, L, 40-48
10/10 vs. Jamestown, W, 66-13
10/17 vs. Doane, W, 44-19
10/24 at Concordia, 1 p.m.
10/31 vs. Morningside, 1 p.m.
11/14 vs. Hastings, 1 p.m.
11/21 at Briar Cliff, 1 p.m.

Fan protocols/ticketing
Fan protocols for Northwestern can be viewed HERE. The Red Raider Athletic Department is limiting capacity to 50 percent in its football stadium. Consistent with GPAC rules, fans in attendance must wear face coverings. Fans will be allowed to enter the stadium 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Tickets can be purchased on site on game day. Fans are encouraged to review visiting venue protocols prior to departing for road games.

In the rankings
The GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll was unveiled on Aug. 26. Concordia landed at No. 7 (37 points) while Northwestern was placed second in the league (73 points; one first-place vote). The poll resembled the final 2019 standings. The NAIA has not released a single national poll this year. In the current Massey Ratings, the Bulldogs appear at 29th while the Defenders check in at 12th. Concordia last appeared in the national rankings in the preseason of 2017 when it was rated 20th. Dordt cracked the NAIA top 25 at the end of 2018 and finished that season at No. 23. The Defenders were ranked 24th in the preseason in 2019 but have disappeared from the official national rankings since then.

Concordia
GPAC preseason: 7th
Current Massey Ratings: 29th

Dordt
GPAC preseason: 3rd
Current Massey Ratings: 12th

Getting over the hump versus top 25 teams
Based on Massey Ratings and the @NAIAFBALL top 25, Concordia played a top 10 team in the NAIA last week in Northwestern (8th in Massey / 10th in @NAIAFBALL). Currently Massey lists Dordt at No. 12. After the loss to Northwestern, Coach Daberkow discussed the need to get over the hump against the conference’s elite opponents. The most recent win over a top 25 foe came on Sept. 23, 2017, when the Bulldogs toppled then seventh-ranked Doane, 29-18, on homecoming. Since then, every Concordia matchup with top 25 opponents has come against either Morningside or Northwestern. Considering Dordt’s 4-1 start, a victory on Saturday would represent one of the more significant wins for the Bulldog program over the past several years.

What opposing coaches are saying
The comments below were taken from pregame interviews play-by-play voice Evan Jones conducted leading up to matchups with Concordia.

Matt McCarty, Northwestern
Whenever you play Concordia, they’re going to be a really well-coached team. Coach Daberkow does a really good job. They’re going to play a really physical and aggressive football game and do a good job of creating negative plays for an offense. They’re going to run the football and try to establish the run and they have some really good skill players on the edge that you have to account for. Every time we play Concordia it’s a battle.

Brian Mistro, Jamestown
They’re going to hit you in the mouth. You’re going to get punched in the mouth when you play Concordia. It’s a physical team. The running back is running for a lot of yards and playing his tail off. The quarterback makes good decisions … They’re not turning the ball over. Coach Daberkow’s got those guys playing really well … (from Jamestown Sun) They have some skill guys that are pretty good, their running back’s been running over everybody, their defense is stout and really disciplined … (Jonah Weyand) runs like he’s mad at somebody.”

Dennis Wagner, Briar Cliff
They obviously can run the ball and that sets up their passing game. They like to get on the edges when they throw. They’re not a real big drop back team. They get out on the edge or they go play action if they’re going to stay in the pocket. A lot of it’s based off the running game.

A defense that won’t break
Concordia’s defense is quite difficult to break. Through five games, the Bulldogs have allowed a grand total of nine touchdowns (three last week at Northwestern). Red zone trips had actually been rare for Bulldog foes in the first four games (seven total). Tyson Kooima and the Red Raider offense certainly moved the football, but it managed only two touchdowns out of seven red zone trips (three field goals). Concordia has held three opponents to single-digit scoring totals and currently ranks eighth nationally in scoring defense (15.6). The Bulldogs will be tasked this week with trying to limit a Dordt offense that put up point totals of 35 and 38, respectively, in the past two meetings with Concordia.

Schardt’s emergence
Junior Garrett Schardt leads all GPAC tight ends in receptions (15) and receiving yards (261) this season. His numbers got a big boost from last week’s career day at Northwestern. Schardt hauled in seven passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns. The scoring plays covered 16 and 34 yards. On the second touchdown, Schardt busted a tackle just after catching the pass from Blake Culbert and went the final 20 yards untouched into the end zone. Schardt’s most recent touchdown prior to last week came on an 82-yard trick play versus Dakota Wesleyan in his freshman year in 2018. Over 21 career games, Schardt has hauled in 30 passes for 515 yards and three touchdowns. Fellow tight end Brady Fitzke also caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Culbert in the win over Doane.

Napier, Weyand return to lineup
Star performers in linebacker Lane Napier (Briar Cliff and Jamestown games) and running back Jonah Weyand (Briar Cliff second half and Jamestown game) were sidelined by injuries before returning last week at Northwestern. A 2018 AP First Team All-American, Napier has pushed his career tackle total to 371 (program record during the GPAC era). He is a three-time first team All-GPAC honoree. On the other hand, Weyand (redshirt sophomore) has a lot of football left in him. He carried the ball 26 times for 87 yards last week. The Crete High School product rushed for five touchdowns in the win over Hastings and now has season numbers of 471 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 91 carries. Meanwhile, starting linebacker Jorge Ochoa has been sidelined. Stirling Tonniges started in his spot last week.

NAIA sack leader
The Bulldogs added two sacks last week to their NAIA leading sack total of 19. A sack apiece was generated at Northwestern by Karson Dickson and Gerald Morris. There have been plenty of contributors to that sack figure, including team leader Chase Hammons (five), Dickson (three), Morris (three), Eric Kieper Jr. (two) and Logan Kreizel (two). Concordia defenders have made 33 stops in the backfield so far this season. Dickson has made a significant impact in his first season with the Bulldogs after transferring from NCAA Division II Northwest Missouri State University.

Defending the pass
Concordia’s pass defense was tested to the max last week against Tyson Kooima. The Bulldogs surrendered 407 yards to Kooima, but they did manage to force 15 incompletions and picked off two passes – one apiece by corner Isiaha Conner and linebacker Caydren Cox. Concordia has managed to break in a new group of cornerbacks with solid results. The core of the unit has featured Jayzen Armstrong, Kamren Baker, Conner and Jourdhin Smith. Prior to last week, the Bulldogs had allowed passing yardage totals of 77, 245, 86 and 220, respectively. Concordia ranks 18th nationally in pass efficiency defense (114.4).

Playoff push?
The ultimate goals are to someday win the GPAC and/or qualify for a spot in the NAIA playoffs. In a nine-game regular season, a record of at least 7-2 is likely needed to earn a berth. After the loss to Northwestern, Daberkow told 104.9 Max Country listeners in the postgame show, “We had 100 percent belief in our locker room. We have to turn the corner with this program and make Bulldog Nation proud and go get a win that people on the outside don’t think we’re going to get. We have some opportunities left to do that.” The remaining schedule is unforgiving (defending national champion Morningside also yet to come), but there certainly are exciting opportunities, as Daberkow put it. The program has not reached the NAIA playoffs since 2001 when it shared the GPAC title.

QB1
Redshirt junior Blake Culbert has steadied the quarterback position in his first season as a starter. Culbert did not throw an interception until his 165th pass attempt of this season and has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 7-to-2. The native of Garden Grove, Calif., has made regular use of four different pass catchers who each have 12 or more receptions this season: Cayden Beran (24 for 226), Korrell Koehlmoos (18 for 383), Garrett Schardt (15 for 261) and Lane Castaneda (12 for 115). Culbert has completed 85-of-169 passes for 1,154 yards. That yardage total ranks him No. 5 nationally. Culbert has a shot at becoming just the second player in program history to throw for 2,000 or more yards in a single season.

Series vs. Dordt
Concordia had won nine of the first 10 meetings with Dordt until the Defenders got the best of the Bulldogs in both 2018 and 2019 (other victory in the series for Dordt came in 2008). That leaves the all-time series at 9-3 in favor of Concordia. Last year’s meeting in Sioux Center was a forgettable one for the Bulldogs, who fell by a 35-0 score. The Bulldog defense did a commendable job of holding Dordt to 379 total yards, but the offense gave it little chance. Concordia was victimized by five interceptions and it put up only 170 total yards. The most recent Bulldog victory over the Defenders occurred by a 24-17 score in Sioux Center in 2017. The two sides have not played in Seward since 2014 (38-14 Concordia win).

Scouting Dordt
From 2012 through 2014, the Bulldogs virtually named the score in games against Dordt. Things have changed in dramatic fashion for the Defender program. Massey Ratings judges Dordt to be a borderline top 10 team in the NAIA. It’ll be a chore trying to contain junior quarterback Noah Clayberg, who appeared in 11 games as a safety and special teamer at the University of Iowa in 2017. Clayberg is throwing the football much better than he did a year ago (67.5 completion percentage) and has piled up 1,507 total yards and 16 total touchdowns through five games. The Defenders rank No. 4 nationally in total offense. The program has also improved significantly on the defensive side of the ball and is allowing just over 300 yards per game. A blueprint similar to last week may be what Concordia needs, but it will have to take advantage of all opportunities on offense (while keeping Dordt out of the end zone and finding ways to cause turnovers).

Concordia-Dordt matchup named NAIA Game of the Week

Oct. 23

SEWARD, Neb. – As the result of a Twitter fan poll, Saturday (Oct. 24)’s matchup between Concordia University and Dordt has been declared the official NAIA National Game of the Week. Kickoff from Bulldog Stadium is set for 1 p.m. CT on Saturday. Both teams will enter the contest with 4-1 records.

GAME INFO
Dordt (4-1) at Concordia (4-1)
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 1 p.m.
Bulldog Stadium | Seward, Neb.
Webcast/Stats: Stretch Live
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Commentators: Evan Jones and Ross Wurdeman

While there are no official rankings, Concordia and Dordt would have strong cases to be included in the NAIA top 25 this week. The lone loss for both squads came against Northwestern. The Bulldogs also hosted an NAIA National Game of the Week on Oct. 12, 2013, when then 22nd-ranked Nebraska Wesleyan visited No. 15 Concordia. The Bulldogs earned a 19-3 win and moved to 6-0 at the time.

For more details on Saturday’s game, check out the game notes HERE.

Dordt too much for Bulldogs in pivotal clash

Oct. 24

SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Football program has learned it still has work to do in order to knock off one of the GPAC’s upper echelon teams. Quarterback Noah Clayberg and Dordt were too much for the Bulldogs in what was dubbed as the NAIA National Game of the Week on Saturday (Oct. 24). The Defenders used 497 total yards in bowling over Concordia, 41-14, in Seward.

Dordt had not previously won at Bulldog Stadium during its program history that dates back to 2008. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad slipped to 4-2 having also lost last week at Northwestern.

“Today was a headscratcher for us,” Daberkow said. “We thought we prepared better than it showed, but we obviously didn’t, so we have work to do. We just took one on the chin today. They were a better football team than us.”

This certainly looks to be the most complete team that the Defenders (5-1) have ever fielded. The combo of Clayberg and play-making receiver Levi Jungling is a handful for any opponent. Jungling put on a show with plenty of highlight-reel worthy grabs included in his nine-catch, 119-yard day. He put an exclamation mark on the performance by hauling in a 22-yard touchdown pass from Clayberg over a pair of Concordia defenders. At that point, the Defenders led 27-7 midway through the third quarter and were well on their way to victory.

In last week’s close loss to the Red Raiders, the Bulldogs managed to come up with a series of key stops in the red zone. On this particular day, Dordt scored on all six of its red zone advancements with four ending on touchdowns. When Clayberg did throw the ball up for grabs, Concordia was unable to come up with the big play. The Bulldogs, who played without starters in sack leader Chase Hammons and tackle leader Lane Napier, failed to force a turnover.

Down 20-0 after being outgained 303-56 in the first half, the Bulldogs managed to briefly pick themselves up off the mat. That’s when they put together their best drive of the day. It covered 76 yards in eight plays and concluded with Korrell Koehlmoos reeling in a 24-yard touchdown pass from Blake Culbert. However, Dordt reasserted control with two more touchdowns before the close of the third quarter.

Clayberg threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 99 yards and another score. Clayberg and the vaunted Defender offense have hit 40 or more points in five-straight games. The only consolation for Concordia’s defense in a rough opening half was forcing the two field goal attempts. Now it’s back to the drawing board for the Bulldogs.

Said Daberkow, “We need to get healthy. That will help. We have some time to heal up. We have to watch the tape and see the spots where we went wrong and see if we can find any consistencies in the mistakes we were making. I didn’t have our team prepared enough to face Dordt today.”

The sledding has gotten tougher for the Concordia rush offense (2.7 yards per carry on Saturday). However, it was a nice day for backup running back Lyle Whitney, who gave the Bulldog faithful something to cheer about in the fourth quarter when he caught a short swing pass from Wyatt Ehlers and raced 57 yards to the end zone. Whitney also ran 12 times for 57 yards. In the passing game, Culbert went 7-for-17 for 92 yards before giving way to Ehlers late in the contest. At tight end, Garrett Schardt (three catches for 48 yards) continues to produce.

In other noteworthy efforts for the Bulldogs, linebacker Shayne Campbell led the team with 13 tackles while Caydren Cox made seven stops, including one for loss. Koehlmoos racked up 202 kickoff return yards (long of 41) on seven attempts, in addition to the touchdown catch. Meanwhile, the Dordt defense collected four sacks.

Concordia will have a bye next Saturday (Oct. 31), which was part of the original schedule. The Bulldogs will resume action on Saturday, Nov. 7 when they will host Morningside (5-0) at 1 p.m. CT. Concordia will honor its senior class prior to kickoff.

Off a bye, Concordia readies for major challenge

Nov. 2

SEWARD, Neb. – Following back-to-back defeats, the Concordia University Football team has had an extra week of preparation for Saturday’s clash with the perennial top football program in the GPAC. The Bulldogs should be refreshed having played just two games since Oct. 3. It will be senior day on Saturday when Concordia and Morningside meet up for the 19th matchup all-time. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT from Bulldog Stadium. Senior day festivities will take place prior to kickoff.

Fourth-year Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad began this season at 4-0 before running into the league’s heavyweights. The Bulldogs have had time to iron out some of their mistakes from losses to Northwestern, 31-17, and Dordt, 41-14. Prior to those two defeats, Concordia earned wins over Doane, Hastings, Briar Cliff and Jamestown. The Bulldogs need one more victory to guarantee an above .500 season after enduring 3-7 campaigns in both 2018 and 2019.

Morningside is the program that everyone else in the league is gunning for. The Mustangs will carry an active conference winning streak of 49 into the weekend. That streak appeared in jeopardy this past Saturday at Dordt. Trailing 35-30, Dordt found itself with first and goal at the six-yard-line in the final couple of minutes. The threat ended when Tyler Wingert intercepted Noah Clayberg’s pass. As usual, Head Coach Steve Ryan’s squad is putting a lot of points on the board – an average of 50.0 per game. Morningside is led by junior quarterback Joe Dolincheck (ranked No. 2 nationally in passing yardage).

GAME INFO
Morningside (6-0) at Concordia (4-2)
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 1 p.m.
Bulldog Stadium | Seward, Neb.
Webcast/Stats: Stretch Live
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Commentators: Evan Jones and Ross Wurdeman

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Team Statistics

*2020 national rank in parentheses
NOTE: 51 of the 95 NAIA football programs that intend to play in 2020-21 have started their seasons.

Concordia
Offensive PPG: 22.7 (27th)
Defensive PPG: 19.8 (T-11th)
Total Offense: 363.5 (21st)
Pass Offense: 218.8 (20th)
Rush Offense: 144.7 (26th)
Total Defense: 344.5 (26th)
Pass Defense: 217.2 (35th)
Rush Defense: 127.3 (20th)
Turnover +/-: 0 (T-26th)

Morningside
Offensive PPG: 50.0 (3rd)
Defensive PPG: 16.5 (8th)
Total Offense: 527.5 (1st)
Pass Offense: 339.2 (2nd)
Rush Offense: 188.3 (14th)
Total Defense: 348.2 (27th)
Pass Defense: 260.3 (48th)
Rush Defense: 87.8 (8th)
Turnover +/-: +11 (2nd)

2020 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

Concordia
Head Coach: Patrick Daberkow (16-20, 4th season)
Passing: Blake Culbert – 92/186 (.495), 1,246 yards, 8 td, 3 int, 116.7 effic.
Rushing: Jonah Weyand – 107 rushes, 519 yards, 4.9 avg, 7 td
Receiving: Korrell Koehlmoos – 19 catches, 407 yards, 21.4 avg, 3 td
Defense: Caydren Cox – 27 tackles, 4 tfl’s, sack, int

Morningside
Head Coach: Steven Ryan (192-36, 20th season)
Passing: Joe Dolincheck – 122/187 (.652), 1,890 yards, 20 td, 5 int, 180.1 effic.
Rushing: Arnijae Ponder – 110 rushes, 650 yards, 5.9 avg, 11 td; 10 catches, 140 yards
Receiving: Reid Jurgensmeier – 38 catches, 837 yards, 22.0 avg, 15 td
Defense: Niklas Gustav – 31 tackles, 9.5 tfl’s, 5.5 sacks

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Concordia (4-2, 4-2 GPAC)
9/12 at Doane, W, 24-7
9/19 vs. Hastings, W, 34-28 (OT)
9/26 at Briar Cliff, W, 24-9
10/3 vs. Jamestown, W, 23-3
10/17 at Northwestern, L, 17-31
10/24 vs. Dordt, L, 14-41
11/7 vs. Morningside, 1 p.m.
11/14 at Midland, 1 p.m.
11/21 at Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.

Morningside (6-0, 6-0 GPAC)
9/12 vs. Northwestern, W, 45-31
9/19 at Midland, W, 42-7
10/10 vs. Briar Cliff, W, 68-3
10/17 at Jamestown, W, 54-7
10/24 vs. Dakota Wesleyan, W, 56-21
10/31 at Dordt, W, 35-30
11/7 at Concordia, 1 p.m.
11/14 vs. Doane, 1 p.m.
11/21 vs. Hastings, 1 p.m.

Fan protocols/ticketing
Concordia’s fan protocols for Saturday’s game can be viewed HERE. Face coverings must be worn by fans in attendance. Fans of the Bulldogs are advised to check COVID-19 related protocols for each road venue prior to traveling for away contests.

In the rankings
The GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll was unveiled on Aug. 26. Concordia landed at No. 7 (37 points) while Morningside was placed first in the league (81 points; nine first-place votes). The poll resembled the final 2019 standings. The NAIA has not released a single national poll this year. In the current Massey Ratings, the Bulldogs appear at 31st while the Mustangs are No. 1. Concordia last appeared in the national rankings in the preseason of 2017 when it was rated 20th. Morningside spent the entire 2019 season at No. 1. The Mustangs won NAIA national titles in both 2018 and 2019.

Concordia
GPAC preseason: 7th
Current Massey Ratings: 31st

Morningside
GPAC preseason: 1st
Current Massey Ratings: 1st

Celebrating the senior class
Saturday will be the 2020 home finale for the Bulldogs, who will honor a group of 16 seniors during a pregame ceremony. In terms of accolades, the most decorated performers among the seniors is linebacker Lane Napier, who was named a first team All-American in 2018 when he led the entire NAIA in tackles. Napier is also a three-time first team All-GPAC honoree. Additional seniors such as receiver/punter Lane Castaneda and safety Peyton Mitchell have past all-conference awards to their credit. Other seniors who have been starters/significant contributors within the program are offensive lineman Cole Baumgartner, quarterback Blake Culbert (has another year of eligibility), tight end Brady Fitzke, defensive end Chase Hammons, defensive lineman Payton Kidder, linebacker Jorge Ochoa, fullback Chevy Stout and linebacker Stirling Tonniges.

Getting over the hump versus top 25 teams
Based on Massey Ratings and the @NAIAFBALL top 25, Concordia played a top 10 team in the NAIA in back-to-back weeks in Northwestern (8th in Massey / 10th in @NAIAFBALL at the time) and Dordt (No. 12 in Massey entering the matchup). After the loss to Northwestern, Coach Daberkow discussed the need to get over the hump against the conference’s elite opponents. The most recent win over a top 25 foe came on Sept. 23, 2017, when the Bulldogs toppled then seventh-ranked Doane, 29-18, on homecoming. Since then, every Concordia matchup with top 25 opponents has come against either Morningside or Northwestern (in official polls). The Mustangs would very likely be ranked No. 1 if there were to be an official NAIA poll.

Defense looks for rebound
The Bulldog defense endured its toughest day so far this season in the loss to Dordt. Concordia allowed more than 300 total yards in the first half and the 41 points scored by the Defenders were a season high for its opponents. Quarterback Noah Clayberg and company carved up a defense that has held three foes to single-digit point totals in 2020. Despite the rough outing versus Dordt, the overall numbers remain solid this season. The Bulldogs rank 11th nationally in scoring defense (19.8). The defense could get a boost this week with the healthy return of defensive end Chase Hammons (team high five sacks) and linebacker Lane Napier (2018 AP First Team All-American). Both starters were sidelined against Dordt.

Schardt’s emergence
Junior Garrett Schardt has really come into his own this season while becoming one of the top tight ends in the GPAC. The former Bruning-Davenport-Shickley High School standout has caught 18 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns (all career single-season bests). Schardt has put together quite a highlight reel while routinely making tough catches over the middle. The Davenport, Neb., native made an impressive touchdown catch at Northwestern that saw him shake off a defender at the 20-yard-line and then sprint into the end zone. Daberkow has also complimented the improvement in Schardt’s run blocking. For his career, Schardt has 33 receptions for 563 yards and three touchdowns.

Weyand-Whitney RB duo
The running game hasn’t been quite as productive lately, but the duo of starter Jonah Weyand and backup Lyle Whitney has been solid. They have combined for 780 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns on 179 carries. Weyand has missed some time due to injury, but he carried the ball 42 combined times in the Northwestern/Dordt games. The Bulldogs would like to get back to running the ball like they did in week Nos. 1 and 2 when Weyand went off for 169 and 177 rushing yards, respectively. Last week, Whitney recorded 114 total yards and a touchdown (on a 57-yard pass reception).

Big-play Koehlmoos
Junior Korrell Koehlmoos is an important playmaker in the passing game and on kickoff return. The Pilger, Neb., native leads the entire NAIA in kickoff return yards (474) while averaging 22.6 yards per kick return. As a receiver, Koehlmoos has averaged 21.4 yards per catch on his 19 receptions (for 407 receiving yards). Koehlmoos has had a catch of 24 yards or longer in five-straight games (long of 61). His 24-yard touchdown reception versus Dordt got Concordia within 20-7 at the time. In his career, Koehlmoos has 85 receptions for 1,273 yards and eight touchdowns.

Linebacker depth
Depth at linebacker is a strength for Concordia – and it’s a good thing. The list of players to start at the position this season includes Caydren Cox, Shayne Campbell, Logan Kreizel, Lane Napier, Jorge Ochoa and Stirling Tonniges. At times this season, the Bulldogs have been without Napier and Ochoa. Concordia expects to have a healthy group on Saturday. Each of the six aforementioned linebackers have registered at least 19 tackles this season. Campbell leads the team with 31 stops. Cox has collected 27 tackles (four for loss), a sack and an interception. Napier has posted 370 tackles in 34 career games played as a Bulldog.

Three GPAC teams in playoff?
With a 16-team playoff format in the NAIA, there is not much margin for error. The GPAC appears to have a shot at landing two or three teams in the playoff that will begin in April 2021. The leading contenders within the conference are Morningside (6-0), Northwestern (5-1) and Dordt (5-2). For the Bulldogs to jump into that conversation, they would likely need an upset of the Mustangs and to win out. Any GPAC squad that can finish 7-2 or better will likely have an argument for being included in the playoff setup. Dordt may have helped itself last week simply by pushing Morningside all the way to the brink. In recent years, the GPAC has been a two-bid league.

Bulldog Stadium success
In order to get back near the top of the league standings, the Bulldogs have to protect their home turf. They are 2-1 this season at Bulldog Stadium after posting home marks of 2-3 in both 2018 and 2019. In the final game of the 2017 regular season, Morningside snapped what had been a 10-game home win streak for Concordia. Dating back to the start of the 2016 campaign, the Bulldogs own a home record of 15-8.

Series vs. Morningside
Morningside has won 17 of the first 18 meetings with Concordia. The Mustangs have won each of the past four matchups by margins of 35 points or greater. The Bulldogs competed much more favorably in 2013 (lost 48-31) and 2015 (lost 44-21). The ’15 matchup was actually much closer than the final score indicated (Morningside scored two touchdowns in the final 2:12). Concordia had the football on the Mustang 27 trailing 27-21 in the fourth quarter of that contest. The series history dates back to 2002. The lone Bulldog victory over Morningside occurred in 2003 in Seward. Since then, the Mustangs have triumphed in seven-straight trips to Bulldog Stadium.

Scouting Morningside
No program in the GPAC has more of a mystique then the Mustangs, who won NAIA national titles in 2018 and 2019. Morningside has breezed past most of its 2020 opponents, with the exception of Northwestern (45-31 win) and Dordt (35-30 win). Per usual, Morningside has a prolific passing attack. At the controls is Joe Dolincheck, who has thrown for 71 career touchdown passes. Dolincheck can also feed the rock to running back Arnijae Ponder, who has 4,815 rushing yards and 69 total touchdowns in his collegiate career. Statistically, the one area of weakness on the team has been its pass defense, which has surrendered 260.3 passing yards per game. That number has been negated largely by the opportunistic nature of a Mustang defense that has picked off 15 passes (tied for second most in the NAIA). Now in year 20 at the helm of the program, Head Coach Steve Ryan has built a monster that has not showed any signs of slowing down. It may be hard to believe now, but Morningside football had enjoyed precious few successful seasons prior to the GPAC era.

Senior class about more than football

Nov. 5

It’s a senior year for the history books. The year 2020 has thrown a lot at us all – the COVID-19 pandemic, the push for social change, a drawn-out presidential election and the anxiety that comes with a high degree of uncertainty. The 16 Concordia University Football seniors and their teammates have not been oblivious. As those seniors wait to be recognized prior to kickoff on Senior Day Saturday, they have prepared themselves for something greater than football.

Prior to each home game this season, Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad has publicly showcased its unity in the form of a special video message – “Follow Us.” Several seniors have played a significant role in making this powerful statement – but some things require more than just words.

A member of the Marine Core Reserves, senior Trevor Dey has given a face to what leadership looks like. Says Dey, “Knowing our football team has a very diverse background, we don’t want to ignore real world events that are happening. We want to acknowledge these things and use the platform that we have. We want to do it in the most respectful way possible. I believe we found what we needed to do as a team and made it happen.”

Senior day can be about what has been accomplished on the field, but it is often more about the relationships that have been formed while providing a glimpse at what may become of a group of young adults. Dey and fellow senior Chase Hammons (Nebraska National Guard) are passionate about their involvement in the military. Among the seniors, aspirations include hopes of becoming dentists, laboratory scientists, software engineers, physical therapists, coaches and police officers.

They want to be in positions to make a difference in their communities. In the face of social unrest and given the awareness of people struggling from ailments both physical and circumstantial, these Bulldogs tried to figure out ways to help.

“This summer when all these events were happening we met at Coach Daberkow’s house and just talked,” Hammons said. “We just talked and listened to each other. It was great to have the opportunity to do that. As teammates, we can talk civilly and hear each others’ sides. It helps to have that melting pot in the locker room and this understanding of where everyone is coming from. Everyone’s from all walks of life and we’re all brothers.”

In terms of on-field production, receiver/punter Lane Castaneda has been one of the standouts of this particular class. The San Antonio, Texas, native took a chance on Concordia and has reaped the rewards. He plans to attend physical therapy school following graduation. It won’t be easy to say goodbye when that time comes.

“Being part of Concordia Football means being part of something bigger than myself,” Castaneda said. “Being on the team has given me and my teammates the opportunity to become better individuals and better leaders in many aspects. All the values instilled in us from the first day on the team to now have helped us grow as individuals and personally made me a better man and more prepared for life after college. If I weren’t part of the Concordia Football team, I’m not sure I’d be getting a degree, let alone looking into graduate programs.”

As for Dey and Hammons, they shrug off what they experienced during intense military training periods. Dey will tell you it’s really not that bad. Dey has served two separate three-month stretches of boot camp in California, but he was always fed well and given time for eight hours of sleep per night. One of the most challenging aspects of these journeys is the isolation from the rest of the world.

Hammons spent 20 weeks at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., for Military Police training. The training began in January 2020 and lasted through the spring semester. That meant Hammons had little knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic while immersed inside a bubble of sorts. However, even Fort Leonard Wood would be impacted by the health crisis.

“I was probably 10-11 weeks into my training when COVID hit so I had no idea what was going on,” Hammons said. “One day they came in when we were all packed together on the range. They told us that we had to be six feet apart. It was completely foreign to us. We had been packed in classrooms and on busses for the past 10 weeks. When we got to the dining hall and every other chair was up, we started to put the chairs down because we didn’t understand the whole concept. Once we started to hear about the death tolls it sounded like the world was ending outside our bubble.”

The football program and Concordia as a whole have accommodated student-athletes like Dey and Hammons when they break from school to pursue their worldly passions. There’s growth that occurs when people with such varied experiences come together in one locker room. This 2020-21 senior group represents six different home states. There is much more diversity when the complete roster is broken down.

The senior class includes a three-time first team All-GPAC linebacker in Lane Napier, one of the best defensive players in program history. It also features fullback Chevy Stout, a name that went viral when the Grand Island native was dubbed “America’s Fullback” by Barstool Sports. Among the seniors, Castaneda, Dey, Hammons and Jorge Ochoa each took part in the video presentation aimed at unification.

Says Castaneda, “Preparing a statement about our stance as a team on the ongoing social issues was extremely important because our team runs on chemistry. We wanted to make sure we all saw eye-to-eye on the issues and make both our locker room and Concordia a safe place to discuss difficult topics and find unity in our differences. Our team represents a large variety of backgrounds … We felt that if all these guys can come from all over the country and become one unit, spreading our message was much needed.”

Of course the seniors are thankful for each other – and for the opportunity to play football this fall. They aren’t taking for granted the fact that they are getting to do something they love while some other college athletes have been sidelined.

Hammons has blossomed as a senior and leads the team with five sacks. Says Hammons, “We’re blessed to be able to keep playing. This is something you wouldn’t imagine would ever happen. You think about how hard you’ve worked the last three years to get to this point and then something unforeseen happens. I feel for those people who may not get a season. We’re so lucky to be able to do what we have been. Hopefully we can finish the season out strong.”

No matter the end result, none of the seniors will ever forget the circumstances that have clouded over the 2020-21 academic year. It would be easy for some to see the negative, but the Concordia Football seniors have put things in a different light. This year has provided an incredible opportunity for personal growth.

Added Dey, “It’s important to show we are more than just a football team. We bring other aspects off the football field. At the end of the day, that’s what we’re going to take away – what we’ve learned and who we’re becoming.”

Anderson enjoys breakout performance in loss to Morningside

Nov. 7

SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia passing game poked holes in the Morningside defense for 319 yards, but it wasn’t nearly enough. The Bulldog Football team failed to halt the Mustang offensive machine on senior day Saturday (Nov. 7) inside Bulldog Stadium. The Mustangs piled up 654 total yards while rolling to a 56-22 victory.

Fourth-year Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad has run the gauntlet in playing Northwestern, Dordt and Morningside in consecutive games. Concordia (4-3) managed to score first on Saturday before quarterback Joe Dolincheck and the villains from Sioux City took over.

“We didn’t perform well enough to beat the No. 1 team in the country,” Daberkow said. “When you make some of the mistakes we made today, they’ll make you pay. We saw that play out. We’re not where we want to be yet as a program. Today was a measuring stick for gauging where we’re at. We still have a lot to play for. We want to get win No. 5 and so we’re going to focus on Midland pretty soon.”

Bulldog quarterback Blake Culbert threw for 279 yards and a touchdown while often finding the likes of Art Anderson (six catches for 102 yards and a touchdown), Korrell Koehlmoos (four catches for 74 yards) and Garrett Schardt (four catches for 65 yards and a touchdown). Schardt made a key 55-yard reception on a third-and-seven on Concordia’s opening possession that went for six. Jonah Weyand capped the 75-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run.

But it’s a real chore trying to match the firepower deployed by the Mustangs (7-0), 2018 and 2019 NAIA national champions. Dolincheck went 30-for-37 for 442 yards and three touchdowns through the air while Arnijae Ponder rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries. Reid Jurgensmeier (131) and Zach Norton (115) both went over 100 receiving yards on the day. Morningside has won 50-straight conference games.

Anderson is a playmaker who has been missing from the lineup for much of 2020. The San Antonio native added another threat to the Bulldog offense on Saturday.

Said Daberkow, “It was good to have Art back. It’s been a long, weird season for a lot of us, but especially for Art Anderson. He’s really come on strong. You could see that in practice this week. I was really proud of him on how he performed today. He’s a matchup problem.”

The Mustangs may have some leaks in their secondary, but they are quite sturdy against the run. Concordia managed only 30 rushing yards on 27 attempts. Weyand (17 rushes for 37 yards) was frequently fighting off tacklers at the line of scrimmage. Morningside defensive lineman Niklas Gustav (two sacks on Saturday) is a particularly tough assignment.

Sixteen Bulldog seniors were recognized prior to kickoff. That group includes All-American linebacker Lane Napier. The bye week seemed to energize Napier, who has had to play through injuries in 2020. He led the way with 17 stops to bring his career total to 387 tackles.

Napier and company spent a lot of time chasing around the talented Mustang skill players. Morningside did not have to punt a single time on Saturday. One of the only miscues of the day for the Mustangs came when Dolincheck had a third-quarter pass intercepted by Concordia defensive back Jayzen Armstrong. The Bulldog defense also got 10 tackles from linebacker Striling Tonniges.

The Bulldogs will be on the road for their final two games of 2020. They will go head-to-head with Midland (5-3) in Fremont next Saturday (Nov. 14) for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff at Heedum Field. Concordia will attempt to knock off the Warriors for the first time since 2017 (Midland won meetings in 2018 and 2019). Head Coach Jeff Jamrog’s squad picked up a win at Doane, 28-3, on Saturday.

Concordia-Midland set for 66th all-time meeting

Nov. 9

SEWARD, Neb. – A storied rivalry will be renewed on Saturday when Concordia and Midland clash on the gridiron for the 66th all-time meeting. The Bulldogs will be attempting to halt a three-game skid while the Warriors are fresh off a victory over another in-state opponent. Due to some quirks in the schedule in recent years, Concordia has not played in Fremont since 2015. Saturday’s kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT from Heedum Field.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad has been running through a gauntlet having played Northwestern, Dordt and Morningside in consecutive games. Those three opponents are a combined 18-3 this season and each of them are in contention for NAIA playoff berths. The Bulldogs are simply trying to find a way to get their elusive fifth victory of the season. Concordia totaled more than 300 passing yards last week, but it struggled mightily to stop the powerful Mustang offense. Two keys to success over the last two weeks will be getting the running game on track and shoring things up defensively.

Midland is getting set for its final game of the fall. The Warriors in Bulldogs have something in common having endured their losses to the same three GPAC heavyweights. Midland has won five of its last six games, including last week’s 28-3 decision at Doane. Head Coach Jeff Jamrog’s squad completely stifled the Tiger offense (161 total yards) in a dominant outing. The Warriors have been solid both offensively and defensively, but they were plagued by penalties at Doane (10 for 130 yards). Quarterback River Walker has totaled 20 touchdowns (16 passing, four rushing) this season.

GAME INFO
Concordia (4-3) at Midland (5-3)
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 1 p.m.
Heedum Field | Fremont, Neb.
Webcast: Stretch Internet
Stats: Dakstats
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Commentators: Evan Jones and Ross Wurdeman

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Team Statistics

*2020 national rank in parentheses
NOTE: 51 of the 95 NAIA football programs that intend to play in 2020-21 have started their seasons.

Concordia
Offensive PPG: 22.6 (28th)
Defensive PPG: 25.0 (21st)
Total Offense: 361.4 (20th)
Pass Offense: 233.1 (16th)
Rush Offense: 128.3 (27th)
Total Defense: 388.0 (34th)
Pass Defense: 250.3 (47th)
Rush Defense: 137.7 (24th)
Turnover +/-: +1 (T-21st)

Midland
Offensive PPG: 33.1 (16th)
Defensive PPG: 19.3 (T-12th)
Total Offense: 413.5 (16th)
Pass Offense: 247.5 (13th)
Rush Offense: 166.0 (20th)
Total Defense: 335.3 (21st)
Pass Defense: 225.3 (41st)
Rush Defense: 110.0 (12th)
Turnover +/-: +5 (T-8th)

2020 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

Concordia
Head Coach: Patrick Daberkow (16-21, 4th season)
Passing: Blake Culbert – 111/224 (.496), 1,525 yards, 9 td, 4 int, 116.4 effic.
Rushing: Jonah Weyand – 124 rushes, 556 yards, 4.5 avg, 8 td
Receiving: Korrell Koehlmoos – 23 catches, 481 yards, 20.9 avg, 3 td
Defense: Lane Napier – 40 tackles, 2.5 tfl’s, sack, pbu

Midland
Head Coach: Jeff Jamrog (31-20, 5th season)
Passing: River Walker – 120/191 (.628), 1,724 yards, 16 td, 9 int, 156.9 effic.; rushing: 282 yards, 4 td
Rushing: Keenan Smith – 113 rushes for 558 yards, 4.9 avg, 6 td
Receiving: Darrin Gentry – 36 catches, 612 yards, 17.0 avg, 6 td
Defense: Zach Acamo – 73 tackles, 3 tfl’s, 3 int, fr

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Concordia (4-3, 4-3 GPAC)
9/12 at Doane, W, 24-7
9/19 vs. Hastings, W, 34-28 (OT)
9/26 at Briar Cliff, W, 24-9
10/3 vs. Jamestown, W, 23-3
10/17 at Northwestern, L, 17-31
10/24 vs. Dordt, L, 14-41
11/7 vs. Morningside, L, 22-56
11/14 at Midland, 1 p.m.
11/21 at Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.

Midland (5-3, 5-3 GPAC)
9/12 vs. Dordt, L, 14-22
9/19 vs. Morningside, L, 7-42
10/3 at Briar Cliff, W, 56-3
10/10 vs. Hastings, W, 43-0
10/17 at Dakota Wesleyan, W, 50-14
10/24 vs. Jamestown, W, 55-27
10/31 at Northwestern, L, 14-43
11/7 at Doane, W, 28-3
11/14 vs. Concordia, 1 p.m.

Fan protocols/ticketing
Midland’s fan protocols for Saturday’s game can be viewed HERE. Face coverings must be worn by fans in attendance. Fans of the Bulldogs are advised to check COVID-19 related protocols for each road venue prior to traveling for away contests.

In the rankings
The GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll was unveiled on Aug. 26. Concordia landed at No. 7 (37 points) while Midland was placed in a tie for third in the league (60 points). The poll resembled the final 2019 standings. The NAIA has not released a single national poll this year. In the current Massey Ratings, the Bulldogs appear at 36th while the Warriors are No. 21. Concordia last appeared in the national rankings in the preseason of 2017 when it was rated 20th. Midland’s most recent top 25 ranking occurred in September 2018 when it slotted in at No. 24.

Concordia
GPAC preseason: 7th
Current Massey Ratings: 36th

Midland
GPAC preseason: T-3rd
Current Massey Ratings: 21st

State bragging rights on the line
This one is for state bragging rights. Concordia has beaten Doane, 24-7, and Hastings, 34-28 (OT). Meanwhile, Midland defeated Doane, 28-3, last week after pummeling Hastings, 43-0, earlier this season. The Warriors will enter Saturday’s game having won 10-straight games against the combination of Concordia/Doane/Hastings. On the other hand, the Bulldogs have not defeated Doane, Hastings and Midland in the same season since 1970. That ’70 squad went 8-1 and claimed the Nebraska Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title. Coach John Seevers’ 1970 Concordia team dominated in-state foes. It routed Doane, 35-0, Hastings, 23-0, Midland, 43-14, and Nebraska Wesleyan, 41-14. It also squeaked past now disbanded Dana, 9-6.

Anderson re-emerges
The passing game has another weapon back on the field with Art Anderson re-emerging. The San Antonio native has been a reliable option in recent years, but he’s been forced off the field for large chunks of this season. Anderson made his presence felt against Morningside by catching six passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. His first score of the season came on a perfectly executed 28-yard strike from Blake Culbert in the second quarter last week. Anderson should be a nice compliment to receivers Cayden Beran and Korrell Koehlmoos over the final two games. In his career, Anderson has caught 76 passes for 724 yards and four touchdowns.

Napier closing in on 400
Though injuries have limited linebacker Lane Napier’s production this fall, the All-American is closing in on an impressive career milestone. With 13 more tackles, Napier will reach 400 stops for his career for an average of 100 per season. The David City, Neb., native is already the school’s all-time tackles leader (according to available records). Napier has garnered first team All-GPAC recognition three times and was named an Associated Press first team All-American in 2018 when he led the entire NAIA with 142 tackles. One of the great defensive players in program history, Napier owns current career totals of 387 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, seven pass breakups and one interception.

Defense looks for rebound
It's been a tough run the past three games against the GPAC’s top three offensive teams. In those outings, the Bulldogs have allowed respective yardage totals of 557, 497 and 654. That came after Concordia held three of its first four opponents to 265 yards or less. After playing Morningside, the Bulldogs slipped from being ranked 11th nationally in scoring defense to 25th (out of 51 NAIA teams that have played this fall). The defense did manage to keep Concordia in the game at Northwestern by allowing only two touchdowns on the Red Raiders’ seven red zone trips. However, stops have been difficult to come by lately. The Mustangs did not punt a single time last week.

Battle of top GPAC tight ends
Midland boasts the GPAC’s returning first team all-conference tight end in Austin Harris. He may have competition from Concordia junior Garrett Schardt for that same recognition in 2020. So far this season, Harris has caught 23 passes for 407 yards and three touchdowns while Schardt has reeled in 22 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns. Over the past four games, Schardt has caught at least three passes in each instance. He enjoyed a career day at Northwestern with seven grabs for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Against Morningside, Schardt snared four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown.

Running game seeks return to form
The running game has been limited in recent weeks while the level of difficulty has ramped up. Over the first seven games, the Bulldogs have produced respective rushing totals of 229, 175, 157, 101, 101, 105 and 30. Concordia would love to get redshirt sophomore running back Jonah Weyand going again. He burned Doane for 169 yards and two touchdowns and Hastings for 177 yards and five touchdowns. On the season, the Crete High School product has rushed for 556 yards and eight touchdowns. He ended a three-game scoring drought by rushing for the game’s first touchdown last week versus Morningside. The Mustangs held Weyand to 37 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Koehlmoos moving up school receiving list
Junior receiver Korrell Koehlmoos is moving closer to the top five of the program’s all-time receiving list, in terms of career receiving yards (see below). The native of Pilger, Neb., caught four passes for 74 yards last week while moving his season totals to 23 and 481 (three touchdowns). Koehlmoos may have an outside shot of climbing all the way to the top of the program’s all-time receiving yards list. The career leader, Jared Garcia, is a graduate assistant at Midland and coaches the receivers and tight ends.

Most Receiving Yards, Career
2,495 – Jared Garcia (2014-17)
2,458 – Ross Wurdeman (1998-01)
2,011 – Clarence Woods (1984-88)
1,974 – Eric Pralle (1987-91)
1,880 – Travis Soukup (1991-94)
1,692 – Jim Young (1964-67)
1,347 – Korrell Koehlmoos (2018-- )

Takeaways
Concordia could help itself out if it can find ways to create more turnovers. Bulldog games this season have not been particularly turnover-happy – for Concordia or its opponents. The Bulldogs have intercepted five passes and have recovered three fumbles this season. Meanwhile, Concordia has turned it over only seven times (four interceptions, three lost fumbles). Jayzen Armstrong came up with an interception last week for the only turnover of the entire Concordia-Morningside game. Armstrong is one of five Bulldogs with one pick this season.

Three GPAC teams in playoff?
With a 16-team playoff format in the NAIA, there is not much margin for error. The GPAC appears to have a shot at landing two or three teams in the playoff that will begin in April 2021. The leading contenders within the conference are Morningside (7-0), Northwestern (6-1) and Dordt (5-2). The Bulldogs are likely out of the running after having suffered their third loss of 2020. In recent years, the GPAC has been a two-bid league.

Series vs. Midland
The series with Midland is one of the oldest rivalries in program history. The two sides first met in 1944 in what was six-man football at the time due to man power needs of World War II. The result that year was a 40-0 Concordia victory. The Bulldogs and Warriors did not play each other again until 1952. Then in 1957, they began playing annually all the way up to the present day. Midland leads the all-time series (37-27-1). In recent seasons, Concordia had its way by winning all six matchups from the 2012 through 2017 seasons. The Warriors broke that string with victories in 2018 and 2019. The last time these programs met up in Fremont (2015), the Bulldogs rallied from a 35-14 deficit and won in overtime on a 16-yard Bryce Collins touchdown run.

Last eight games vs. Midland
2019 – L, 7-27 (Seward)
2018 – L, 7-35 (Seward)
2017 – W, 44-14 (Seward)
2016 – W, 20-14 (Seward)
2015 – W, 41-38 | OT (Fremont)
2014 – W, 35-28 (Seward)
2013 – W, 35-14 (Fremont)
2012 – W, 23-14 (Seward)

Scouting Midland
Outside of the three losses, Midland has been quite dominant. In their five victories, the Warriors have separated themselves from their opponents by margins of 25 points or more. The only thing Midland has not been able to do in recent years is break down the barrier between themselves and the elite teams in the league such as Morningside and Northwestern. Head Coach Jeff Jamrog has found a playmaking quarterback in River Walker, who has amassed 20 total touchdowns (16 passing, four rushing). Walker has hit the 300-yard passing mark four times this season. Across the board, the numbers are solid for Midland, which sports national rankings of 16th in total offense and 21st in total defense. One bugaboo for Midland has been penalties. It has been victimized by an average of 88 penalty yards per game (second most in the NAIA). No matter the outcome on Saturday, the Warriors will wrap up their fifth-straight winning season.

Concordia-Midland football game canceled

Nov. 16

The Concordia-Midland football game originally scheduled to be played on Saturday, Nov. 14 has now been canceled. The matchup was postponed last week due to COVID-19 concerns within the Warrior program. The contest will not be made up.

The Bulldogs will finish their season at Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT from Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell, S.D.

Dawgs aim to extend series win streak versus DWU

Nov. 16

SEWARD, Neb. – Let’s try this again. In a matchup originally scheduled to be played on Oct. 10, the Concordia University Football team is set to meet up with Dakota Wesleyan. Kickoff on Saturday is set for 1 p.m. CT from Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell, S.D. Due to a postponement, a cancellation and a scheduled bye, the Bulldogs have played just three games since Oct. 3. The Concordia-Midland contest slated for Nov. 14 was originally postponed (and then canceled) due to COVID-19 concerns within the Warrior program.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad hopes to snap a three-game skid. All three losses were suffered while up against the league’s heavyweights: Northwestern (7-1), Dordt (6-2) and Morningside (7-0). Now would be a good time to get the running game going again. Over the past three games, the Bulldogs have produced respective rushing totals of 101, 105 and 15. Concordia’s most recent win came by a 23-3 score versus Jamestown on Oct. 3.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Ross Cimpl’s squad has shown life after it started the 2020 season with three-straight blowout defeats. Dakota Wesleyan owns victories over Doane, 29-6, Briar Cliff, 26-7, and Jamestown, 35-16. In a game played in Bismarck, N.D., the Tigers forced three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble recovery) while knocking off the Jimmies last week. Turnovers have been a positive for DWU, which owns a plus-seven margin for the season. In addition, the 23 points allowed over the last two outings have represented a major improvement defensively.

GAME INFO
Concordia (4-3) at Dakota Wesleyan (3-5)
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 1 p.m.
Joe Quintal Field | Mitchell, S.D.
Webcast/Stats: Stretch Live
Radio: 104.9 Max Country
Commentators: Evan Jones and Ross Wurdeman

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Team Statistics

*2020 national rank in parentheses
NOTE: 51 of the 95 NAIA football programs that intend to play in 2020-21 have started their seasons.

Concordia
Offensive PPG: 22.6 (26th)
Defensive PPG: 25.0 (20th)
Total Offense: 357.1 (21st)
Pass Offense: 231.0 (14th)
Rush Offense: 126.1 (29th)
Total Defense: 388.7 (34th)
Pass Defense: 251.0 (47th)
Rush Defense: 137.7 (24th)
Turnover +/-: +1 (T-24th)

Dakota Wesleyan
Offensive PPG: 19.8 (35th)
Defensive PPG: 36.9 (41st)
Total Offense: 294.8 (32nd)
Pass Offense: 217.3 (20th)
Rush Offense: 77.5 (43rd)
Total Defense: 420.9 (41st)
Pass Defense: 212.3 (36th)
Rush Defense: 208.6 (42nd)
Turnover +/-: +7 (T-6th)

2020 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

Concordia

Head Coach: Patrick Daberkow (16-21, 4th season)
Passing: Blake Culbert – 111/224 (.496), 1,525 yards, 9 td, 4 int, 116.4 effic.
Rushing: Jonah Weyand – 124 rushes, 556 yards, 4.5 avg, 8 td
Receiving: Korrell Koehlmoos – 23 catches, 481 yards, 20.9 avg, 3 td
Defense: Lane Napier – 40 tackles, 2.5 tfl’s, sack, pbu

Dakota Wesleyan

Head Coach: Ross Cimpl (52-43, 9th season)
Passing: Zachary Lester – 135/228 (.592), 1,395 yards, 14 td, 7 int, 124.7 effic.
Rushing: Jamin Arend – 117 rushes, 421 yards, 3.6 avg, 2 td; receiving: 21 catches, 212 yards
Receiving: Spencer Neugebauer – 62 catches, 654 yards, 10.5 avg, 8 td
Defense: Dominick Warmbein – 27 tackles, 7.5 tfl’s, 5.5 sacks

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Concordia (4-3, 4-3 GPAC)
9/12 at Doane, W, 24-7
9/19 vs. Hastings, W, 34-28 (OT)
9/26 at Briar Cliff, W, 24-9
10/3 vs. Jamestown, W, 23-3
10/17 at Northwestern, L, 17-31
10/24 vs. Dordt, L, 14-41
11/7 vs. Morningside, L, 22-56
11/14 at Midland, Canceled
11/21 at Dakota Wesleyan, 1 p.m.

Dakota Wesleyan (3-5, 3-5 GPAC)
9/12 at Hastings, L, 7-45
9/19 at Northwestern, L, 16-50
9/26 vs. Dordt, L, 10-47
10/3 at Doane, W, 29-26
10/17 vs. Midland, L, 14-50
10/24 at Morningside, L, 21-56
10/31 vs. Briar Cliff, W, 26-7
11/14 at Jamestown, W, 35-16
11/21 vs. Concordia, 1 p.m.

Fan protocols/ticketing
Dakota Wesleyan’s fan protocols for Saturday’s game can be viewed HERE. DWU will be limiting capacity and is encouraging fans to purchase advance tickets online through its website HERE. Tickets that were purchased for the Concordia-DWU game that was scheduled for Oct. 10 will be honored this Saturday. Per GPAC guidelines, face coverings must be worn by fans in attendance. Fans of the Bulldogs are advised to check COVID-19 related protocols for each road venue prior to traveling for away contests.

In the rankings
The GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll was unveiled on Aug. 26. Concordia landed at No. 7 (37 points) while Dakota Wesleyan was placed ninth in the league (22 points). The poll resembled the final 2019 standings. The NAIA has not released a single national poll this year. In the current Massey Ratings, the Bulldogs appear at 36th while the Tigers check in at 59th. Concordia last appeared in the national rankings in the preseason of 2017 when it was rated 20th. Dakota Wesleyan’s most recent top 25 appearance came in October 2017 when it polled at No. 22. The Tigers found their way into the top 25 at least once every season from 2008 through 2017.

Concordia
GPAC preseason: 7th
Current Massey Ratings: 36th

Dakota Wesleyan
GPAC preseason: 9th
Current Massey Ratings: 59th

Bulldogs seek winning season
With the Midland game now canceled, Concordia will end the fall campaign this week at Dakota Wesleyan. (It should be noted that institutions are allowed to play official regular season games in the spring, if they choose to do so). What’s at stake on Saturday is a chance to improve to 5-3 and lock up an above .500 season after back-to-back 3-7 records. Since the start of the 2013 season, the Bulldogs have enjoyed winning records in 2013 (7-4), 2015 (6-4), 2016 (7-3) and 2017 (6-4).

Top Seasons, GPAC era
10-2 | 2001 (GPAC champions, NAIA playoff quarterfinalist; final NAIA rank of 7th)
7-3 | 2016 (final NAIA rank of 19th)
7-4 | 2013
7-4 | 2000
6-4 | 2017
6-4 | 2015

Napier closing in on 400
Though injuries have limited linebacker Lane Napier’s production this fall, the All-American is closing in on an impressive career milestone. With 13 more tackles, Napier will reach 400 stops for his career for an average of 100 per season. The David City, Neb., native is already the school’s all-time tackles leader (according to available records). Napier has garnered first team All-GPAC recognition three times and was named an Associated Press first team All-American in 2018 when he led the entire NAIA with 142 tackles. One of the great defensive players in program history, Napier owns current career totals of 387 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, seven pass breakups and one interception.

Anderson re-emerges
The passing game has another weapon back on the field with Art Anderson re-emerging. The San Antonio native has been a reliable option in recent years, but he’s been forced off the field for large chunks of this season. Anderson made his presence felt against Morningside by catching six passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. His first score of the season came on a perfectly executed 28-yard strike from Blake Culbert in the second quarter on Nov. 7. Anderson adds a nice compliment to receivers Cayden Beran and Korrell Koehlmoos. In his career, Anderson has caught 76 passes for 724 yards and four touchdowns.

Defense looks for rebound
It's been a tough run the past three games against the GPAC’s top three offensive teams. In those outings, the Bulldogs have allowed respective yardage totals of 557, 497 and 654. That came after Concordia held three of its first four opponents to 265 yards or less. After playing Morningside, the Bulldogs slipped from being ranked 11th nationally in scoring defense to 25th (out of 51 NAIA teams that have played this fall). The defense did manage to keep Concordia in the game at Northwestern by allowing only two touchdowns on the Red Raiders’ seven red zone trips. However, stops have been difficult to come by lately. The Mustangs did not punt a single time in the Nov. 7 matchup (on only time lining up to punt, the snap was muffed).

Schardt states case as GPAC’s top tight end
Due to last week’s postponement, we missed out on seeing a battle between two of the GPAC’s best tight ends in Concordia’s Garrett Schardt and Midland’s Austin Harris (first team All-GPAC in 2019). Through seven games, Schardt has reeled in 22 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns. Over the past four games, Schardt has caught at least three passes in each instance. He enjoyed a career day at Northwestern with seven grabs for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Against Morningside, Schardt snared four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. The Davenport, Neb., native could wind up being the program’s first tight end to earn first team all-conference accolades since Seth Fitzke in 2015.

Running game seeks return to form
The running game has been limited in recent weeks while the level of difficulty has ramped up. Over the first seven games, the Bulldogs have produced respective rushing totals of 229, 175, 157, 101, 101, 105 and 15. Concordia would love to get redshirt sophomore running back Jonah Weyand going again. He burned Doane for 169 yards and two touchdowns and Hastings for 177 yards and five touchdowns. On the season, the Crete High School product has rushed for 556 yards and eight touchdowns. He ended a three-game scoring drought by rushing for the game’s first touchdown versus Morningside. The Mustangs held Weyand to 37 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Koehlmoos moving up school receiving list
Junior receiver Korrell Koehlmoos is moving closer to the top five of the program’s all-time receiving list, in terms of career receiving yards (see below). The native of Pilger, Neb., caught four passes for 74 yards on Nov. 7 while moving his season totals to 23 and 481 (three touchdowns). Koehlmoos may have an outside shot of climbing all the way to the top of the program’s all-time receiving yards list – or at least becoming the fourth receiver in program history with 2,000 career receiving yards. The career leader, Jared Garcia, is a graduate assistant at Midland and coaches the receivers and tight ends.

Most Receiving Yards, Career
2,495 – Jared Garcia (2014-17)
2,458 – Ross Wurdeman (1998-01)
2,011 – Clarence Woods (1984-88)
1,974 – Eric Pralle (1987-91)
1,880 – Travis Soukup (1991-94)
1,692 – Jim Young (1964-67)
1,347 – Korrell Koehlmoos (2018-- )

Takeaways
Concordia could help itself out if it can find ways to create more turnovers. Bulldog games this season have not been particularly turnover-happy – for Concordia or its opponents. The Bulldogs have intercepted five passes and have recovered three fumbles this season. Meanwhile, Concordia has turned it over only seven times (four interceptions, three lost fumbles). Jayzen Armstrong came up with an interception and recovered the muffed punt snap in the Morningside game. Armstrong is one of five Bulldogs with exactly one pick this season.

Three GPAC teams in playoff?
With a 16-team playoff format in the NAIA, there is not much margin for error. The GPAC appears to have a shot at landing two or three teams in the playoff that will begin in April 2021. The leading contenders within the conference are Morningside (7-0), Northwestern (7-1) and Dordt (6-2). The Bulldogs are likely out of the running after having suffered their third loss of 2020. In recent years, the GPAC has been a two-bid league.

Series vs. Dakota Wesleyan
Three-straight wins over Dakota Wesleyan have given Concordia an 11-9 lead all-time in the series. The first two meetings occurred prior to the formation of the GPAC. The Bulldogs defeated the Tigers, 36-29, in 1984 and then fell to them, 28-21, in 1985. The two programs finally met again in 2000 as GPAC members. Each of the last three meetings have been contested in Seward. Concordia has not had much luck when playing in Mitchell. Dakota Wesleyan has beaten the Bulldogs each of the last five times the two sides have played in South Dakota. The most recent Concordia win at Dakota Wesleyan came in 2007 when Concordia Athletic Hall of Famer JaMaine Lewis ran wild for 261 yards and four touchdowns.

Scouting Dakota Wesleyan
The vintage Dakota Wesleyan teams of the recent past have featured high-powered offenses. It was a chore dealing with four-year starting quarterbacks Dillon Turner (10,704 passing yards and 3,215 rushing yards for his career) and Jon Bane (9,224 passing yards, 83 touchdown passes for his career) over an eight-year stretch. Reclaiming that identity has not been easy. The Tiger offense averaged 20.4 points in 2018 and 21.6 points in 2019 (the two years following Turner’s graduation). Dakota Wesleyan got out to a rough start this season before winning three of its past five outings, including two in a row. The playmaker to watch out for is senior receiver Spencer Neugebauer, who has 176 catches for 2,351 yards and 15 touchdowns on his career ledger. On the other side of the ball, the Tigers rank ninth in the GPAC in rush defense (208.6/game) and have allowed 45 points or more five times this season. Considering its history of results in Mitchell, Concordia expects a battle on Saturday. From a head coaching perspective, there’s plenty of mutual respect between Ross Cimpl and Patrick Daberkow.

Napier achieves career milestone; Bulldogs fall in 2020 finale

Nov. 21

MITCHELL, S.D. – A season of forward progress for Concordia University Football concluded on Saturday (Nov. 21) afternoon in Mitchell, S.D. The offense for the Bulldogs was held out of the end zone in the second half in what amounted to a 28-17 loss at the hands of Dakota Wesleyan. With the Midland game wiped out, this represented the 2020 season finale for Concordia.

Fourth-year Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad dropped the final four games on its schedule and wrapped up at 4-4. The three previous losses all came against conference foes positioned for potential playoff appearances.

“I’m proud of our guys for putting in the everyday work,” Daberkow said. “Eventually you want to see that translate into the win-loss column – and it did a little bit – but not nearly as much as it felt like it was going to there for a while. When we take a loss, we have to figure out how to get back after it and bounce back in a better way. This is a tough conference.”

No one playing college football in 2020-21 will be charged with a season of competition. In other words, Bulldog senior linebacker Lane Napier could come back next fall. Whether this was the end or not, Napier will go down as one of the program’s all-time greats. The tackling machine made 14 stops on Saturday to run his career tackle total past the 400 mark. Napier piled up 31 tackles over the final two games of 2020.

Unfortunately, the Tiger offense had just enough octane to knock off the Bulldogs. Dakota Wesleyan took advantage of short fields for touchdown drives of 59 and 58 yards in the second half. Tiger quarterback Zachary Lester threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns while Jamin Arend ran for 102 yards and a score. The Tigers (4-5) effectively bounced back after starting the season at 0-3.

Concordia held a lead for roughly 10 minutes of game time during the second quarter. It capped a 78-yard scoring drive with Cayden Beran’s 29-yard touchdown grab from quarterback Blake Culbert. The Bulldogs then took the lead (14-7) early in the second quarter when Jonah Weyand powered into the end zone from three yards out, finishing off a 55-yard drive. It marked Weyand’s ninth touchdown this season.

Weyand rushed for 79 yards on 22 carries for the day. Culbert went 18-for-33 for 224 yards (one touchdown and one interception). Beran enjoyed a season best performance with 108 receiving yards on eight catches. Reliable tight end Garrett Schardt hauled in three receptions for 56 yards.

While Napier again paced the team in tackles, Payton Kidder collected a pair of sacks from his defensive end position. Linebacker Stirling Tonniges also notched a sack and safety AJ Jenkins registered eight tackles. Turnovers were even at one apiece.

In his postgame exchange with 104.9 Max Country, Daberkow left the door open for members of the senior class to return next fall, if they so choose. Said Daberkow, “Everybody who follows Bulldog Football knows about Lane Napier, but they might not know about the progress of a guy like Peyton Mitchell or Lane Castaneda … we’ve got a whole bunch of guys that will sacrifice the spotlight for other people. I wish I wouldn’t have started naming names because I’m leaving guys out. I would love to get all of them back. A lot of them have good job opportunities, which is part of this experience. We’ll see – we’ll let the dust settle on this season and go from there.”

Some football programs around the NAIA will play their regular seasons in the spring. The NAIA playoffs will begin in April 2021 for the 16 teams that qualify. The Bulldogs will hope to have more of a normal spring routine, which would mean a series of practices.

BOX SCORE

Napier earns fourth first team award; nine Bulldogs honored by GPAC

Dec. 23

SEWARD, Neb. – When it comes to Concordia University Football, senior linebacker Lane Napier is in a class all by himself. Napier now owns the distinction as the only Bulldog in the GPAC era to earn first team all-conference accolades all four seasons. Napier was one of nine Concordia players to garner recognition on the 2020 All-GPAC football teams announced by the conference on Wednesday (Dec. 23).

While Napier was selected as a first teamer on defense, four Bulldogs landed on the first team All-GPAC offense: junior receiver Korrell Koehlmoos, junior tight end Garrett Schardt, sophomore guard Christian Schlepp and sophomore running back Jonah Weyand. In addition, senior safety Peyton Mitchell and junior center Johnny Robinson collected second team honors and senior defensive end Chase Hammons and senior fullback Chevy Stout picked up honorable mention accolades.

A native of David City, Neb., Napier found himself onto the first team despite missing three games due to injury in 2020. When healthy, Napier was as productive as usual in a season that saw him rack up a team high 54 tackles to go along with three tackles for loss and a sack. With 14 tackles in the season finale at Dakota Wesleyan, Napier surpassed 400 tackles for his career. His four-year stat line also includes 34 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, seven pass breakups and an interception. Napier was selected as a 2018 NAIA First Team All-American by the Associated Press and has twice been tabbed an honorable mention All-American by the American Football Coaches Association.

As a redshirt sophomore, the Crete High School product Weyand moved into a starting role in the backfield. In seven games played this fall, Weyand accumulated 625 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 146 attempts (4.3 yards/carry). Weyand made big waves early in the campaign when he rattled off 177 yards and five touchdowns in the overtime win over Hastings. He was subsequently named the NAIA National Offensive Player of the Week. Weyand also ran for 169 yards and two touchdowns in the victory over Doane.

A native of Davenport, Neb., and alum of Bruning-Davenport-Shickley High School, Schardt emerged as arguably the conference’s top tight end in 2020. He finished the season with 25 catches for 430 yards and three touchdowns. He enjoyed the breakout game of his career when he reeled in seven receptions for 132 yards and two scores at Northwestern. Over the final five games of the season, Schardt caught at least five passes in each outing. Schardt’s career totals stand at 40 receptions for 684 yards and four touchdowns.

Koehlmoos, who hails from Pilger, Neb., provided a consistent deep threat. He was one of three GPAC receivers with 25 or more catches to average more than 20 yards per reception in 2020. Koehlmoos recorded 25 receptions for 533 yards and three touchdowns on the year. His season included three 100-yard receiving games. Koehlmoos added 589 yards on kick returns for a total of 1,129 all-purpose yards this fall. In three seasons as a Bulldog, Koehlmoos has collected 91 catches for 1,399 yards and eight touchdowns.

Robinson III (Houston, Texas) and Schlepp (Manhattan, Kan.) played a major role in the significant improvement displayed by the offensive line as a whole in 2020. Robinson started all eight games at center while Schlepp made seven starts at right guard. With their work up front, Concordia nearly doubled its rushing yards per game average compared to the previous season. The Bulldogs also boosted their scoring average by 6.3 points from 2019 to 2020.

A native of Waverly, Kan., Mitchell has been rock solid on the back end of the defense in two years as a starter. While starting all eight games in 2020, Mitchell made 25 tackles, including 1.5 for loss. He also broke up seven passes, recovered a fumble and blocked a kick. Mitchell also earned second team All-GPAC honors in 2019 when he notched a team high five interceptions. Mitchell owns 59 career tackles to his credit.

Hammons, who calls Columbus, Neb., home, led the team with five sacks while battling through injuries this fall. Hammons recorded two sacks in the 23-3 win over Jamestown and was named the GPAC Defensive Player of the Week. He also posted two sacks in the victory over Briar Cliff. In his collegiate career, Hammons has produced 50 tackles and 7.5 sacks. At fullback, Stout earned notoriety this fall after Barstool Sports dubbed him “America’s Fullback.” The native of Grand Island, Neb., mostly did the dirty work as a blocker and caught one pass for 11 yards.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad concluded the 2020 season with a 4-4 overall record. The Bulldogs defeated Doane, Hastings, Briar Cliff and Jamestown.