New Ulm, MN - Max Nordlie threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns, the defense snagged three interceptions, and the Knights held off a late comeback attempt from the Greenville Panthers to secure their first win of the 2023 season 31-29.

The two teams previously met last October, where the Panthers edged out MLC 30-27. The Knights had a shot to tie the game in the final seconds with a field-goal attempt, but Greenville would deflect the kick to wrap up the game. 

Saturday saw a different ending for MLC, as Nordlie connected with Jude Pederson to pick up a first down that moved the chains and allowed the Knights to run out the clock.

Both sides of the ball started off with solid execution for the Knights, with the defense forcing Greenville into four consecutive turnovers, helping MLC jump out to a 10-0 lead at the start of the second quarter after Carson Oestreich punched in a one yard touchdown run.

Greenville got on the scoreboard from a 62-yard touchdown scamper from the UMAC leading rusher, Paul Garrett, with just under 10 minutes remaining. 

On the ensuing drive, MLC struck right back and Nordlie found Andrew Raasch near the back of the end zone, with the receiver completing an acrobatic catch for an 18-yard touchdown, giving the Knights a 17-6 lead into halftime.

MLC picked up where they left off and began their opening drive of the second half with a 58-yard touchdown run from Oestreich. The run gave the senior his longest rush of the season and further swayed the momentum towards the MLC sideline.

Following the MLC touchdown, the Panthers would outscore the Knights 23-7, including a critical safety at the 12:38 mark of the fourth quarter. However, MLC wouldn't allow Greenville to overcome the deficit and recovered an onside kick, leading to the Nordlie to Pederson game ending completion.

Overall, the Knights didn't fold under pressure and made timely plays to change the outcome from their previous losses to Northwestern and Westminster.

Oestreich had 13 carries for 72 yards and 2 TD, while Mason Cox came up with big receptions to move the ball all game along and had a team-high in receptions (8) and receiving yards (107).

The defense appeared in the backfield for four quarters and recorded nine tackles for loss, including three sacks.

Linebacker David Baumann led MLC with 10 tackles and an interception, while Thomas Balge came up with nine stops. Jeremiah Stanton led the secondary with eight tackles and set the tone defensively with a 62-yard interception return in the first quarter.

With the win, the Knights go to (1-5, 1-2) on the season and will turn their focus towards the Crown Polars. The two teams will square off next Saturday, October 21, at 1 p.m. in St. Bonifacius, MN.