ST. PAUL, Minn. — Concordia College, Moorhead (4-1) overpowered Hamline (1-4) with a dominant 58-12 victory at Klas Field, led by a total of eight touchdowns including four rushing scores in the red zone.
The first quarter began with Concordia-Moorhead scoring first after Mitchell Druley converted a 13-yard field goal with 7:14 left on the clock, giving them a 3-0 lead. Hamline struggled to gain momentum, with
Will Priest's rushing attempts being largely contained by Concordia's defense. Griffin Babolian extended the lead for Concordia with a 17-yard touchdown run at the 2:18 mark, followed by a successful extra point from Druley, bringing the score to 10-0. Concordia capitalized again shortly after, as Jersey Selzler connected with Davion Henderson for a 27-yard touchdown pass with 2:07 remaining, and Druley added another extra point to close the quarter with Concordia leading 17-0.
Concordia extended their lead early in the second quarter with a six-yard touchdown run by Mason Hughes at the 12:30 mark, though the ensuing extra point attempt by Druley was unsuccessful. The Pipers' offense, led by Priest, highlighted by a 12-yard pass from
Zayden Stevens to
D'Nari Adams for a first down. Concordia's defense forced two fumbles, both recovered by the visitors, further stifling the Pipers' scoring attempts. The half ended with Concordia leading 23–0, as a final drive by Hamline was halted by another fumble recovery.
Concordia extended their lead over the Pipers early in the third quarter when Selzler broke free for a 64-yard touchdown run at the 13:10 mark, followed by a successful extra point from Druley, making it 30-0. Hamline's subsequent drive stalled, and Concordia regained possession, capitalizing on their momentum with a 28-yard touchdown rush by Babolian with just 50 seconds left in the quarter. Druley's extra point attempt was good, pushing the score to 37-0. The Pipers' struggles continued as their drives were marred by penalties and unsuccessful fourth-down attempts, allowing Concordia to control the game.
In the fourth quarter, Concordia extended their lead with three rushing touchdowns, beginning with Nick Walter's 19-yard run at 13:15, followed by a 31-yard touchdown run by Walter again at 06:55. Dylan Johnson capped off the scoring with a 2-yard rush at 03:14, helping Concordia to a 58-12 victory over Hamline. The Pipers managed to break through with a 44-yard touchdown pass from
Jacob Aki to
Drevonnte Dunkins at 05:32 and a 1-yard rushing score by Aki at 01:43, but the deficit was too large to overcome. Concordia's defense held strong with two sacks and limited the Pipers' attempts to close the gap further.
Eric Pfenning-Wendt led the receiving corps with three receptions for 56 yards. Aki threw for 171 yards on 9-of-18 passing and contributed a rushing touchdown. Freshman Dunkins made an impact with a 44-yard touchdown reception. Linebacker
Troy Spellman anchored the defense with seven total tackles.
The Pipers will be on the road to Northfield next Saturday to take on Carleton at 1 PM.
