MEQUON, Wis. — Homecoming Weekend at Tomasini Stadium provided the perfect setting for a milestone-filled Saturday as the Concordia University Wisconsin football team defeated Concordia Chicago, 21-14, to remain unbeaten at 5-0 on the season.
The Falcons not only celebrated Homecoming and welcomed alumni back to campus but also honored their Hall of Fame members throughout the weekend. The biggest celebration, however, came on the field as
head coach Greg Etter earned his 100th career victory at the helm of the Falcons.
With the victory, CUW improved to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play. The Falcons jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the opening quarter and held on for the hard-fought victory in front of 1,173 fans at Tomasini Stadium.
First Quarter
The Falcons wasted little time putting their Homecoming crowd on its feet.
With 3:18 remaining in the opening quarter, Roman Funk punched the ball into the end zone from one yard out to put CUW ahead, 7-0.
Nick Klein added the extra point to give the Falcons the early advantage.
CUW struck again just 2:43 later.
Funk connected with Jack Bradley for a nine-yard touchdown, giving the Falcons a 14-0 lead with just 35 seconds remaining in the quarter. Klein's extra point capped a dominant opening period for the Falcons.
Second Quarter
Concordia Chicago answered early in the second quarter, cutting the CUW lead to 14-7 with a five-yard rushing touchdown from Joron Brown with 13:24 remaining in the half.
The Falcons responded in a big way.
After CUW recovered a fumble at the Concordia Chicago 17-yard line, Jacob Pugh quickly turned the takeaway into points. Just three plays later, Pugh powered into the end zone from seven yards out to restore the Falcons' two-score advantage.
Klein's extra point pushed the lead to 21-7, a score that would stand through halftime.
Third Quarter
The third quarter became a defensive battle as both teams battled for momentum.
The Falcons put together a promising 56-yard drive that moved all the way to the Concordia Chicago nine-yard line, but the Cougars' defense held CUW on fourth down.
Despite coming away empty-handed, the Falcons' defense continued to make life difficult for Concordia Chicago, keeping the Cougars off the scoreboard throughout the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter brought plenty of drama.
CUW marched deep into Concordia Chicago territory and reached the two-yard line, but a fumble ended the scoring opportunity. The Cougars responded with a long drive and eventually found the end zone with 44 seconds remaining when Wesley Jackson hauled in a 19-yard touchdown pass from Colton Bosch.
The touchdown cut the Falcon lead to 21-14, but CUW's defense and special teams held firm in the closing seconds to secure the victory.
The final whistle sent the Homecoming crowd into celebration as the Falcons improved to 5-0 and gave Coach Etter a milestone victory that will be remembered for years to come.
Highlights
Funk finished the afternoon 11-of-23 passing for 118 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for five yards and a touchdown.
Pugh led the Falcons on the ground with 52 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, including his seven-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
Bradley led CUW through the air with four receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Logan Hartman led all Falcons with an impressive 17 tackles, while Duncan Ireland III and Ben Birch each recorded 11 tackles. Cole Krych and Darrian Turner each recorded a sack, while Ireland III added a forced fumble and fumble recovery as the Falcons' defense came up with several crucial plays throughout the afternoon.
The Falcons will return to action next weekend at Eureka on Saturday, October 10.
