Return Prowess Gives Hentges MIAC Honor
MOORHEAD, Minn. (9/23/13)—Concordia senior defensive back Bryce Hentges was recognized for his outstanding kick return contribution in the Cobbers' win over St. Olaf. Hentges had four kickoff returns for a 41.5-yard average and was named the MIAC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Hentges' play helped Concordia post a 33-29 victory over the Oles in the 40th annual Troll Bowl game. It is the second time in his career that he has won a weekly award from the MIAC. Hentges was named the MIAC Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 12, 2011.
Hentges' biggest contribution came in one of the biggest plays of the game when he returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown at the start of the second quarter. The zig-zagging TD run came directly after the Oles had cut the CC lead to 13-7 and had taken the momentum of the game. The long scoring run ignited the crowd and was the catalyst for the Cobbers to take a 26-14 lead into the break.
Hentges also helped Concordia win the battle of field position of the day. With his four outstanding returns, the Cobbers had an average starting position on their own 46 and 43-yard lines in the first and third quarters.
In the end, Hentges totaled 166 return yards. He is currently leading the MIAC in kick return average. He is averaging 37.2 yards on his 16 returns this season.
Concordia will now travel to St. John's to take on the Johnnies on Saturday, Sept. 28 in a battle of unbeaten teams on the season.