Bulldogs dominate Waldorf 77-7 in 100th season opener
Concordia sets up on defense against the Waldorf Warriors
Photo: Ben Frerking
By Ben Frerking
The Concordia University Bulldogs dominated Waldorf University 77-7 on August 29, opening Concordia football’s 100th season with a commanding performance on both sides of the ball.
Concordia jumped to an early lead in the first quarter, scoring 14 points before adding an additional 35 points in the second. In the third and fourth quarters, they scored a collective 28 points, bringing the score to 77-7.
The Bulldogs outperformed Waldorf in several key areas, especially on offense, totaling 681 yards with 392 passing yards and 289 rushing yards.
Fifth-year senior quarterback Gideon Stark helped lead the offense through multiple big plays, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to Dustin Kapels in the second quarter. Stark netted a school-record eight touchdowns throughout the game, with four coming by way of passes to senior Jonny Puelz.
Coach Patrick Daberkow credited the team’s preparation and ability to execute the fundamentals as a key factor in the Bulldogs’ performance.
“A lot of the preparation for coming into the season is just doing the simple things at a really high level,” Daberkow said.
The victory also marked the beginning of Concordia’s 100th season of football, a milestone Daberkow said reflects the traditions surrounding the program.
“We’ve only had 10 head coaches in 100 years, and I don’t think that there’s too many universities that can say that,” Daberkow said.
Despite the 70-point margin of victory, Daberkow said the Bulldogs still have areas to improve, including tackling and ball security, especially after a Concordia fumble early in the fourth quarter.
“We have an expectation of perfection with ball security,” Daberkow said.
The Bulldogs’ defense held Waldorf to 126 total yards while forcing two turnovers, both coming from interceptions.
As Concordia celebrated its 100th season of football, the Bulldogs’ Parents were honored for their time and support.
With their first home win of the season in the books, the Bulldogs will hit the road for their first away game against Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska, on Sept. 12.
