SEWARD, Neb. – Averaging more than 500 yards of offense a game, the Dakota Wesleyan University football team was hoping to flex its offensive muscles on Saturday in Great Plains Athletic Conference action. However, Concordia University halted the Tiger offense in Seward, Neb., defeating DWU 38-16.
The Bulldogs led for the entire game, keeping DWU out of rhythm for most of the game. Concordia was first on the scoreboard in the first quarter, but the Tigers added three points off a 33-yard field goal from freshman Seth Paulson (Mitchell, S.D.). Less than two minutes later, CUNE responded with back-to-back touchdowns by Jared Garcia.
Down by 18 points late in the second quarter, Luke Loudenburg (Canova, S.D.) found the endzone on a one-yard scamper to put the Tigers within striking distance. However, the Bulldogs added a field goal with 11 seconds remaining in the half to take a 24-10 lead heading into the locker room.
The Tigers came with 11 points of the Bulldogs, after Paulson connected on a 20-yard field goal to give CUNE a 24-13 lead. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs tacked on a touchdown, but it was Paulson again connecting on a 42-yard field goal with 9:07 to play. DWU had its chances late in the fourth quarter, but were unable to capitalize after costly penalties kept the Tigers out of reach.
Concordia tallied 515 total yards of offense compared to 360 by DWU. Senior quarterback Dillon Turner (Salem, Ark.) was 15-of-37 for 240 yards, while rushing for 55 yards on 16 carries. Loudenburg added 43 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown, while hauling in three passes for 39 yards. Hayden Adams (Villa Park, Ill.) caught six passes for 157 yards.
Tyler Wagner (Webster, S.D.) led the Tiger defense with 14 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Mitch Johnson (Mitchell, S.D.) added 11 stops, while Dillon Rork (Grand Island, Neb.) pitched in nine tackles, half a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries. Senior Charlie LaRoche (Lower Brule, S.D.) had nine tackles, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
The Tigers (5-5, 3-4 GPAC) welcome Dordt College for Senior Day at 1 p.m. Saturday at Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell.