Bulldogs Secure Win for Concordia Football Reunion

by Clyde Ericson

The GPAC No. 16 Bulldogs celebrated the 2016 Concordia Football Reunion by beating Northwestern University 9-7 on Saturday, Sept. 17, with a large crowd of Concordia football alumni cheering on the home team. The Bulldogs now stand at 3-0 overall and 1-0 in GPAC.

“As a former player, it was great seeing all the alumni from the past and getting to meet many of them for the first time,” Coach Corby Osten said. “It was amazing to see the bond that all Bulldog football players have with each other. Doesn’t matter if you have known them for years or meeting some of them for the first time. They all share the same pride of the program.”

Junior quarterback TJ Austin wore No. 10 in Saturday’s game against the Red Raiders, a tribute to his mentor Von Thomas, who finished his Concordia football career during Austin’s freshman year.

“The alumni are amazing,” Austin said. “Being able to be surrounded by those who stood where I stand now, and to see what Bulldog football still means to them is incredible. I really am blessed to have an opportunity to be a part of history.”

After receiving the ball at kickoff, the Bulldogs took it smoothly down the field to a first and goal, but an interception by the Red Raiders nearly resulted in a pick-six. On the next play the Red Raiders punched through for a touchdown, setting the score at 7-0 with 9:13 left to play in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs were redeemed by junior quarterback TJ Austin, as he pounded the ball past the goal line. However, the extra point was blocked, leaving the Bulldogs behind 6-7 with 5:11 left in the first quarter.

After that series, senior defensive lineman Trey Barnes had a sack which forced a three and out on Northwestern. Junior wide receiver Jared Garcia caught a hard pass through the middle to gain 27-yards, which eventually allowed the Bulldogs to set up for a 32-yard field goal, securing the final score of 9-7 with only 51 seconds left in the first quarter.

For the rest of the game, Concordia’s defense would not allow the Red Raiders even close to their end zone, and the game ended with an interception by senior corner back Cory Evans Jr.

“We knew it was going to be that type of game,” Coach Vance Winter said. “I wish we would have made a few more plays on offense, but it was a team win. I’m proud of our guys. I’m proud of how we played. I’m proud of how we fought.”

Austin went 7-11 for 80 passing yards and 25 rushing yards, including his one rushing touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Riley Wiltfong threw for 70-yards and one interception. Jared Garcia got his 100th career reception with six catches and 78 receiving yards. Senior running back Bryce Collins ran 17 times for 49-yards.

The Bulldogs will play No. 5 Doane University at 1 p.m on Saturday, Sept. 24 in Crete.