Cobbers Fall to No.3 Whitewater

Moorhead, Minn (9/14/2019)---Concordia hosted No. 3 ranked UW-Whitewater for a non-conference match-up on Saturday, with the Cobbers falling short, 20-10.

UW-Whitewater got on the board first with a field goal after starting in good field position resulting from a Cobber miscue and interception. The Cobbers' defense answered with senior, Alex Berg forcing a Warhawk fumble and Will Berning recovering it to bring the Concordia offense back on the field. Blake Kragnes led the Cobber offense in a 68-yard drive, completing a timely third down 15-yard completion to Andy Gravdahl who was tackled at the three-yard line. On the pursuing play Kragnes pitched the ball to Peyton Mortenson  who scored easily, while Alex Diaz  knocked in the extra point to give the Cobbers a 7 to 3 lead with 9:48 left in the first quarter. The Cobber defense followed with another impressive stand forcing UW-Whitewater to punt in a quick three and out. Concordia took over at the UW-Whitewater 45-yard-line, and with a 10-play drive that ended in a Diaz 27-yard field-goal to put the Cobbers up 10-3. The Whitewater offense found its rhythm the next drive with a 54-yard pass completed for a touchdown evening out the score 10-10 heading in to halftime.

UW-Whitewater started with the football to begin the second half scoring on a 33-yard field goal and then forcing a Cobber fumble the following possession. The Warhawks dominated the time of possession much of the third quarter but the Cobber defense responded with a stiffeling stop with one minute remaining in the 3rd quarter. Alex Berg  made a huge tackle on a Whitewater 4th down and 3-yards to go, to turn the Warhawks over on downs. Concordia took over at their own 25-yard line, Kragnes completed a 48-yard pass to Gravdahl to put the Cobbers in striking distance of the endzone. The comeback stopped short as Kragnes was intercepted in the end zone on the next pass attempt to give the Warhawks the ball back. Whitewater strung together a 14-play 80-yard drive the resulted in a touchdown, giving Whitewater a 20-10 advantage with five minutes left to go in the game. The Warhawk defense was able to keep Kragnes and the Cobber offense quiet and off the field, controlling the clock the last five minutes of the game.  

Blake Kragnes  finished the day 9-18 for 127 yards and ran for another 39.  Andy Gravdahl led the Cobber attack through the air with 7 catches for 103 yards.

Leading the way on defense was Alex Berg who recorded eight solo tackles and assisted on two others. Will Berning and Sam Michel both recorded seven tackles, respectively.

UP NEXT: The Cobbers will open up conference play and host Augsburg next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.

CONCORDIA vs. WIS.-WHITEWATER HIGHLIGHTS