A Record-Setting Senior Sendoff

MOORHEAD, Minn. (11/08/14)—It was only fitting that a senior came up with the biggest play of the game on "Senior Celebration" Day to help Concordia post a 35-26 win over Gustavus.      

Senior defensive back Christian Erickson stepped in front of an errant Gustie pass and raced 30 yards for a touchdown at the end of the second quarter to push the Cobbers' drive for a record-setting third straight eight-win season into overdrive.

Erickson's interception was one of five on the day for the Cobber "Black Shirt" defense as they held MIAC leading quarterback Mitch Hendricks in check all afternoon.

With the win CC finishes the season with an 8-2 overall mark and a 6-2 record in conference play. It marks the third consecutive season that the Cobbers have won eight or more games which is the first time in school history they have won at least eight games in a season for three straight years.

Concordia gave up the first seven points of the game after the Gustavus defense came up with a huge stop on the opening possession of the game on a fourth-and-one situation.

Instead of folding up shop and being blown away by one of the top ranked passing offenses in the nation, the Cobbers buckled down and rattled off 28 straight points to take a commanding 28-7 halftime lead.   

Media Recaps

Fargo Forum Recap: Concordia rides defense to victory in season finale

WDAY-TV: Cobbers capture 8th win of the season against Gustavus

After the opening score by the Gusties, Concordia's offense took control of the ball on their own 4-yard line and proceeded to methodically move the ball down the field until quarterback Griffin Neal plowed his way over the goal line from one yard out. The 12-play 96-yard drive ate up 5;37 and gave the Cobbers' defense a chance to settle down and make adjustments.

The "Black Shirts" would then hold the Gustie defense off the board for the next eight possessions. During that time they came away with four interceptions and scored on Erickson's "pick 6" at the end of the second quarter.

Concordia's offense did its part by scoring on three of its six possessions in the first half. Besides Neal's rushing TD, Brandon Zylstra caught an 11-yard scoring pass and Neal rambled in from 11 yards out in the final minute of the opening half.

The teams would trade touchdowns in the third quarter before the Gusties were able to get within nine points in the final five minutes of play.

Cooper Gauldin caught a 24-yard pass from Neal to cap a 7-play, 47-yard drive which countered Gustavus' score earlier in the third period and gave CC a 35-13 lead.

Cobber Football Highlights vs. Gustavus - Nov. 8

Concordia once again dominated in time of possession. The Cobbers kept the ball for 34:31 as opposed to 25:29 for the Gusties. The Cobber offense amassed 391 total yards which included 251 yards on the ground.

The story of the day was the Concordia defense as they came away with the five turnovers.

Erickson had the interception for a touchdown in the second quarter and also picked off a pass in the Cobbers' end zone in the fourth quarter.

Tyler Hansen, Erik Bye and Matt Ahrndt had the other INT's for Concordia. Bye intercepted a pass on the Gustavus possession following Erickson's INT for a TD and ran 25 yards to take the ball down to the Gustie 15-yard line. Neal would score three plays late to give CC the 28-7 lead just before halftime.

Levi Hintermeister had a team-high eight tackles on the day while Derek Rachel chased Hendricks all over the field for four quarters and had a game-high 2.0 sacks. Ahrndt and Nate Adams also had sacks in the game.

Neal finished his final game in maroon and gold by going 12-for-22 for 140 passing yards and two TD's. He also ran for 38 yards and two scores.

Alex McLean had a team-high 68 yards in 12 carries and Zylstra caught four passes, including the one touchdown strike, for 45 yards.