Middle Quarter Malaise

ST. PAUL, Minn. (10/05/19)---Concordia and No.14-ranked St. Thomas battled through a scoreless first quarter before the Tommies erupted for 23 points in the second period and then 21 more in the third quarter as the Cobbers fell 51-6.

The offensive highlight on the day for Concordia (2-3, 2-1 MIAC) came in the final play of the game when quarterback Blake Kragnes broke through the left side of the line and sprinted 66 yards for the touchdown. It was the longest play from scrimmage for either team on the day.

The Cobber defense held strong through the first quarter of play as they contained the St. Thomas offense and limited the Tommies to only 34 passing yards and forced a pair of punts on the first two possessions of the game.

St. Thomas (3-1, 2-0 MIAC) scored on their first possession of the second period and then added two more TDs on successive drives to take a 23-0 lead into the break.

The Cobbers got the ball to start the second half but then went "3-and-out" and were forced to punt. The Tommies then went 60 yards in six plays to push the lead to 30-0. That same scenario would play out on the next two possessions for each team and UST held a 44-0 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Concordia's best quarter of the game came in the fourth period where they put up 119 total offensive yards and recorded six first downs. Kragnes rushed for 69 yards in the fourth quarter and was 3-for-3 through the air. CC also held the ball for 9:01 of the final 15-minutes of play.

Fullback Logan Hatfield led the Cobbers for the entire game. He carried the ball 17 times and had 66 rushing yards. Kragnes ran the ball 12 times and had 48 yards. He was also 3-for-7 for 25 passing yards.

Senior Alex Berg led the defense with 12 total tackles. He also had 1.0 sacks and 2.0 tackles for a loss. Jayce Johnson and Sam Michel added eight tackles each.

Berg also had nine punts in the game and averaged 41.1 yards per punt. He still leads the MIAC in punting with a 43.3 yards per punt average.  
          
UP NEXT: Concordia will return to Moorhead and host Gustavus in the annual Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. The Gusties are 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the MIAC and had their bye week on Saturday.  


Saturday recaps sponsored by Bufffalo Wild Wings: Grab your friends and get to B-Dubs on Sunday nights for College Nights at 9 p.m. 50% off 1 food item with ID and $3 apps at the Buffalo Wild Wings located on Hwy 10 in Moorhead.