Northwestern College 35, Concordia University 6 (view stats)
Northwestern College used a big third quarter to pull away for a 35-6 win over Concordia on Saturday afternoon in Orange City. The Red Raiders, ranked No. 15 in the NAIA coaches' poll, improved to 4-1 on the season with the win. Concordia slipped to 1-4 on the year with the loss.
Northwestern opened the scoring with just over four minutes remaining in the opening quarter. The Raiders marched 64 yards in seven plays, and Taylor Malm’s 8-yard touchdown run gave Northwestern the 7-0 lead.
The score remained the same until late in the second quarter when Raider quarterback Brad Payne capped a 16-play drive with a touchdown throw to Jameson Rexilius. The touchdown pass gave Northwestern a 14-0 lead heading into halftime.
Northwestern created some separation with a 21-point third quarter. Malm’s second rushing touchdown of the day, this time from four yards out, put the Raiders on top by the score of 21-0. Later in the third period, the Raiders took a 28-0 lead on a 24-yard interception return by David Butler.
Concordia finally got on the board with just under two minutes left in the third quarter. Darius Smith broke a 34-yard touchdown run for the Bulldogs to make the score 28-6. Northwestern closed out the scoring late in the third quarter. Brandon Smith broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run for the final score of 35-6.
Northwestern College had 305 yards of total offense in the game compared to 281 for the Bulldogs. The Raiders gained 196 yards on the ground and added 109 yards through the air in the win. Concordia gained 143 yards on the ground and 138 yards through the air. The Bulldogs were just 3-of-15 on third-down conversions and 0-of-3 on fourth-down conversions in the game.
Concordia quarterback Kyle Schmidt completed 12-of-29 passes for 112 yards and two interceptions. Darius Smith rushed for 41 yards and a score and also caught three passes for 31 yards for the Bulldogs. Jake Griedl caught two passes 40 yards, and Noah Smith added four receptions for Concordia. Jerrod Fleming had seven tackles and a forced fumble to lead the Bulldog defense.
Brad Payne completed 14-of-22 passes on the day for 109 yards with a touchdown and interception for Northwestern. Brandon Smith carried the ball 10 times for 109 yards and a score, Taylor Malm had 14 rushes for 96 yards and two scores and Tyler Walker had three receptions for 42 yards to lead the way offensively for the Raiders. Joel Dykstra and David Butler each had interceptions to lead the Northwestern defense.
Concordia hosts Dordt College in the homecoming game next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.