Morris, MN - The MLC football team played its first UMAC contest of the season on the road under the lights at Big Cat Stadium against Minnesota Morris. The Knights fought hard and made winning plays throughout, but were defeated
35-28 in the final minute on a 41-yard touchdown pass by the Cougars after both teams were tied 28-28.
MLC out gained Minnesota Morris in total offense with a 422-370 advantage and earned more first downs (25) compared to 18 for the Cougars. However, Minnesota Morris had success on the ground, averaging over seven yards per carry and totaled 248 for the game. The Cougars also showed their pass rush, recording five sacks.
The Knights stormed off to a 21-7 lead with under six minutes left in the second quarter, but the Cougars cut it to 21-14 at the break. Neither team scored for almost 10 minutes of action in the third quarter until Minnesota Morris tied it up 21-21 off of a 33-yard touchdown run around the six-minute mark.
The fourth quarter saw each team trade blows as the Cougars took their first lead of the game early on in the period. MLC answered right back to make it 28-28 after
Brady Turriff connected with tight end
Noah Huebner for a touchdown, which capped off a 7 play, 74 yard drive that finished in 2:20.
Before the game winning touchdown drive for Minnesota Morris, MLC had an opportunity to take the game on the road, but the Cougars defense held up and forced the Knights into a quick three-and-out, giving the ball to Minnesota Morris with just 36 seconds remaining.
Turriff completed 21-of-34 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns and had a big boost in the backfield as
Arthur Robinson rushed for a career high 173 yards on 26 carries.
Jude Pederson had his best game of the season, catching eight passes for 131 yards and a touchdown
. Thomas Koelpin had four receptions for 53 yards, while
Benjamin Vasold reeled in five receptions for 45 yards.
The Knights' defense had many contributors on the field as
Daniel Biermann, Thomas Balge, and
Ethan Melso led the squad with seven tackles. Biermann was also a force in the interior, picking up two sacks.
Micah Koschnitzke and
Trevor Hueske each recorded five tackles and
Jasper Lawrenz had an interception, which the defensive back returned for 37 yards.
Next up for the Knights is homecoming next Saturday, October 11, at 1 p.m. against Crown.
