Tigers set for GPAC matchup with Concordia University

Mitchell, S.D. - The Dakota Wesleyan University football team looks to get back on track this week as they head to Concordia University for a Great Plains Athletic Conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Seward, Neb.

 Last week, the Tigers fell 38-20 on a windy day at Joe Quintal Field. After both teams went three-and-out to begin the game, Doane brought the ball down to the Tiger one yard line. The defense prevailed, as the Doane Tigers were forced to settle for a field goal.

 On the ensuing drive, the Tigers from Doane went on a 19-play drive that resulted in 88 yards and a touchdown to push the lead to 10-0. The next Doane possession resulted in Cody Reichelt (Mitchell, S.D.) returning a fumble for 60 yards and a touchdown to pull DWU within three points.

 Doane responded with a 75-yard drive that resulted with a 66-yard touchdown rush to bring the score to 17-7 at the half.

 Doane scored 21 unanswered points to begin the second half, resulting in a 38-7 deficit for Dakota Wesleyan. DWU would not go away quietly as TreVyon McDaniel (Lakewood, Wash.) scampered in for a three-yard touchdown rush. On the ensuing possession for the DWU Tigers, Zachary Lester (Fairbanks, Alaska) found Garrett Determan (Watertown, S.D.) for a 42-yard touchdown to cut the final deficit to 18 points.

 Lester led the Tiger offense with 9-of-18 passing for 96 yards through the air as well as a touchdown, while also adding 49 yards on eight carries. Determan hauled in one pass for 42 yards and a touchdown. Spencer Neugebauer (Mitchell, S.D.) tallied two catches for 23 yards.

 Tyler Wagner (Webster, S.D.) led the defense with 10 total tackles and three tackles for loss. Reichelt added nine tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss, as well as a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Jackson Diede (Menno, S.D.) and Nate Rupprecht (Bennington, Neb.) each notched a pair of pass breakups. 

 About the Series  

 The all-time series between DWU and Concordia currently sits at 9-10 in favor of the Concordia Bulldogs. The Tigers fell last season to the Bulldogs in a 14-9 defensive battle in Seward, Neb. 

 About the Coaches  

 Ross Cimpl leads the Tigers in his eighth season. Cimpl currently sits second on the all-time wins list at DWU.

 Patrick Daberkow leads the Bulldogs in his third season as head coach. Daberkow spent a total of 13 seasons on the Concordia football staff. His first season as head coach was highlighted by an appearance in the national poll as well as a third-place league finish. 

 About the Bulldogs 

 The Concordia Bulldogs enter Saturday's game yielding a 2-3 record overall and a 2-2 GPAC record. Last week, the Bulldogs fell short in a four overtime contest with fellow GPAC foe, University of Jamestown. Concordia hopes to see success running the ball against the Tigers. Last week, the Bulldogs rushed for 181 yards on 66 rushes, while throwing 11 times for a total of 17 passing yards. Concordia's GPAC wins came against Briar Cliff University and Hastings University.