Concordia (MI) 17 Kentucky Wesleyan 14

The NAIA #6 Concordia Cardinals from Ann Arbor bested the (D2) Panthers of Kentucky Wesleyan College on Saturday. Neither team could do much in the first half as the Cardinals led 10-0 at the half. The Cardinal defense was stout holding the Panthers to -17 yards rushing and only 163 yards through the air for the game.

CUAA's #1 QB left the game with what appeared to be a quad injury. Although he did not return in the game, he looked like he will be ready in the near future. One of the scores for KWC came in the form of a 70-yard pick-6 when CUAA's #3 QB threw an ill-advised out pattern pass. CUAA would have liked to see more from the offensive side of the LOS. Sophomore RB, Keirell Jackson, contributed a very workman-like 93 yards rushing. Sophomore, Omar Sinclair, added another 53 yards and Parker Graham contributed 47 yards from the QB position.

While Concordia had as many yards through the air as on the ground, they were not as productive as they hoped. A boat-load of offensive penalties nullified big gains and first downs. The HC was very clearly heard exhorting his team to stop shooting themselves in the foot in the second half.

While the game felt like Concordia had it in hand most of the game, when it came down to the end, the Panthers made every effort to catch the visiting team. With 2:52 remaining, KWC's QB W. Cain, through from Concordia's 41 yard line into the end zone. It appeared to be intercepted but the DB juggled the ball and the KWC WR, D. Boggs plucked it out of his hands for the touchdown. A successful kick of the extra point brought the 3 minute, 65 yard drive to a positive conclusion for the Panthers.

KWC would get one more chance after CUAA turned the ball over on downs. The Panthers drove down to the Cardinal's 22 yard line. After two passes into the end zone were incomplete, the Panthers tried a 45-yard field goal to tie the game. It was no good. The Cardinals were able to kneel down in victory formation and were very happy to leave Steele stadium with a win.

My impression is that KWC is making some strides forward under new Head Coach and UK alum, Craig Yeast. They have another home game next week against D2 Quincy U Hawks. Concordia University of AA travels to Bourbonnais, IL to take on the Tigers of Olivet Nazarene University. Both teams are in the NAIA.