MEQUON, Wis. – A week after a shootout victory to begin NACC play, Concordia Wisconsin got defensive during an impressive 17-0 shutout victory over Lakeland on Saturday to win the Cheese Bowl in front of Military personnel at Tomasini Stadium.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 17, Lakeland 0
Location: Tomasini Stadium (Mequon, Wis.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 4-1, 2-0 NACC; Lakeland 1-4, 1-1 NACC

QUOTING HEAD COACH GREG ETTER


HOW IT HAPPENED
- Last week Concordia Wisconsin's defense allowed 40 points and the offense racked up 49, but this Saturday was a different mindset from the opening kickoff. It didn't take long to realize the rivalry between the two programs and with the Cheese Bowl up for grabs things would be a little different.
- Both offenses tried to run the ball and pass to the inside and outside of the field, but each defensive coordinator had drawn up a game plan that was working to perfection. It wasn't until a nine-play, 80-yard drive by the Falcons that resulted in a 22-yard field goal was the first crack in the armor shown.
- Following the sixth possession by Lakeland, which saw them punt for the third time after also fumbling twice and throwing an interception, Concordia Wisconsin went down the field 43 yards before senior Aaron Nixon (North Prairie, Wis.) connected with his go-to target in senior Josh Sanders (Phoenix, Ariz.) for a 4-yard touchdown pass on a fade to the corner of the end zone. The result was a 10-0 lead for the hosts at halftime.
- Those in the trenches continued to battle and another fumble by the Muskies, was turned into seven points by the Falcons when Nixon and Sanders connected for a 17-yard score to build a comfortable cushion. Neither offense did much the rest of the way and a few kneel downs at the end sent the home crowd into jubilation and an ice bath for head coach Greg Etter also ensued.
- The senior class that has helped the youthful Falcons squad, hoisted the Cheese Bowl trophy into the air in celebration after the handshake line was completed for the first time in their careers.
- Nixon ended with 116 rushing yards and 112 passing yards and two touchdowns. Sanders hauled in four passes for 33 yards and the two touchdown catches.
- Sophomore Justin Dunlap (Henderson, Nev.) had a career game with 17 tackles (eight solo), while sophomore Dwayne Rackard III (Orlando, Fla.) had 11 tackles and an interception. Senior Kody Lemley (Lake Station, Ind.) recovered two fumbles and freshman Cameron Kohler (Westlake Village, Calif.) had three tackles for a loss.
- Eldrada Meeks had 54 rushing yards for Lakeland and Nick Broder was 25-of-38 passing for 206 yards. Jamal Hawkins-Sconiers had eight catches for 82 yards.
- Diante Moses led the Muskies defense with 13 tackles, while Sam Bartlett had 12 tackles, a forced fumble and 1.5 tackles for loss. Rayshion Brumfield intercepted a pass.

GAME NOTES
- The shutout was the first for Concordia Wisconsin since the 2012 season and the first against Lakeland since the 2000 season.
- Lakeland finished with a 20-15 advantage in first down, but was outgained 324-307 in total offensive yards.
- The Muskies had five fumbles and lost four, and were 4-of-7 on fourth-down conversions.
- Concordia Wisconsin converted both red zone chances.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- Concordia Wisconsin travels to Aurora for an October 13 matchup at 1 pm.