2024 Football Schedule/Results

8-2 overall | 8-2 GPAC (T-2nd)Season Stats | Roster

Date Opponent Location Result Record
Aug. 31 *Waldorf University (Parents Weekend) Seward, Neb. W, 45-7 1-0, 1-0
Sept. 7 *(10) Morningside University Seward, Neb. L, 21-51 1-1, 1-1
Sept. 14 *Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, S.D. W, 42-7 2-1, 2-1
Sept. 21 *Briar Cliff University Sioux City, Iowa W, 63-13 3-1, 3-1
Sept. 28 *(9) Dordt University (Homecoming) Seward, Neb. L, 22-33 3-2, 3-2
Oct. 5 *(2) Northwestern College Orange City, Iowa W, 29-17 4-2, 4-2
Oct. 19 *Doane University Crete, Neb. W, 45-10 5-2, 5-2
Oct. 26 *Mount Marty University Seward, Neb. W, 31-27 6-2, 6-2
Nov. 2 *Hastings College (Senior Day) Seward, Neb. W, 42-6 7-2, 7-2
Nov. 16 *Midland University Fremont, Neb. W, 45-13 8-2, 8-2

2024 Roster

No. Name   Pos. Yr. Ht. Wt. Hometown Previous School
0 Devon Polley NT Sr. 6-2 250 Edmond, Okla. Edmond Memorial HS
1 Mark Arp RB Sr. 6-0 195 McCook, Neb. McCook HS
1 Will Potratz DB So. 5-7 160 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln East HS
2 Joel Kaira DB Jr. 6-0 200 Fort Worth, Texas Chisholm Trail HS / McPherson College
2 Adam Van Cleave WR Jr. 5-11 170 Columbus, Neb. University of Nebraska
3 DJ McGarvie QB Sr. 6-3 195 Valparaiso, Neb. Lincoln North Star HS
3 Calvin Sassaman DB So. 5-11 180 Wahoo, Neb. Bishop Nuemann HS
4 CJ Dyhrkopp ILB Sr. 6-1 230 Columbus, Neb. Columbus HS
4 Josiah Loftis WR So. 6-2 160 Tulsa, Okla. Lincoln Christian School
4 Carson Seaman QB Fr. 6-0 200 Amarillo, Texas Friona HS
5 Myles Lyons CB Sr. 6-1 165 Fort Worth, Texas South Hills HS
5 Braylen Muhle WR So. 6-0 170 Gretna, Neb. Gretna HS
6 Cole Coffey WR Sr. 6-1 175 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln North Star HS
6 Jaden Seier DB Jr. 6-1 195 Kearney, Neb. Kearney Catholic HS
7 Devin Arceneaux DB Fr. 6-2 190 League City, Texas Lutheran South Academy
7 Carlos Collazo RB So. 5-10 215 Marquette, Neb. Aurora HS
7 Kyle Sterup DE Sr. 6-5 250 Osceola, Neb. Osceola HS
8 Luke Penrod DB So. 6-1 190 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln Christian HS
8 Dominic Philippi WR Sr. 5-9 155 Bruning, Neb. Bruning-Davenport-Shickley HS
9 Logan DeCoste QB Jr. 5-11 210 Hay Springs, Neb. Hay Springs HS
9 Coy Rosentreader QB So. 6-0 195 Clatonia, Neb. Wilber-Clatonia HS
10 Braxton Borer DB So. 6-2 190 Columbus, Neb. Columbus Lakeview HS
10 Thomas Meadough WR Sr. 6-1 205 Spring, Texas Saint Pius X HS / Oklahoma Baptist Univ.
11 Daylon Henson DB Jr. 6-0 200 Pearland, Texas Lutheran High North
11 Gideon Stark QB Jr. 6-7 220 Magnolia, Texas Concordia Lutheran HS
12 Admir Mujkic P/K So. 6-5 215 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln East HS
12 Collin Reetz QB Jr. 6-6 205 Estes Park, Colo. Estes Park HS
12 Carter Wilcox QB Fr. 6-1 180 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln East HS
13 Peyton Atwood K So. 6-1 183 Grand Island, Neb. Grand Island Northwest HS
13 Tryston Sanchez QB Fr. 5-8 170 Amarillo, Texas Randall HS
14 Ryland Reetz QB Fr. 6-6 185 Estes Park, Colo. Estes Park HS
14 Gabe Schmidt DB So. 5-11 170 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln Lutheran HS
15 Blake Mosenteen DB Sr. 6-0 160 Holyoke, Colo. Holyoke HS / Colorado State - Pueblo
15 Daylan Russell TE Sr. 6-3 235 Alma, Neb. Alma HS
16 Isaac Hochard DB Fr. 6-0 160 Topeka, Kan. Seaman HS
16 Austin Jablonski WR Sr. 6-4 215 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln Pius X / University of Nebraska
17 Jha'mauri Erilus DB So. 5-10 150 Kileen, Texas Ellison HS
17 Camden Jensen QB Fr. 6-4 175 Grand Island, Neb. Grand Island Northwest HS
18 Braxtyn Koch P Fr. 6-0 175 Westminster, Md. Winter Mills HS
18 Isaac Rezac DB So. 5-9 170 Norfolk, Neb. Norfolk HS
19 Tyler Douglass RB So. 5-10 190 Grand Island, Neb. Grand Island Northwest HS
19 Brodie Rogers DB Fr. 6-0 185 Benkelman, Neb. Dundy County Stratton Schools
20 Tanner Frahm DB So. 5-10 190 Plainview, Neb. Plainview HS
20 John Goodwin TE Sr. 6-3 240 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln HS / University of Nebraska
21 Dylan Smith CB Sr. 6-0 170 Denton, Neb. Lincoln HS
22 Deegan Barnes DB So. 6-2 200 Ignacio, Colo. Bayfield HS
22 Carter Johnson WR Jr. 5-11 180 Anselmo, Neb. Anselmo-Merna HS
23 Grant Huss LB Jr. 6-0 210 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln Southwest HS
24 Josh Palacios WR Sr. 5-11 175 Katy, Texas Cypress Park HS
24 Gavin Weichel DB Jr. 6-1 195 Plymouth, Neb. Tri County HS
25 Tristen Ray LB Fr. 5-11 210 Lewiston, Neb. Lewiston HS
25 Cade Seaman DB Fr. 5-9 170 Amarillo, Texas Friona HS
26 Jesse Herndon RB Jr. 6-2 230 Saronville, Neb. Sutton HS
26 Damian Stanley DB Fr. 6-0 170 Aurora, Neb. Aurora HS
27 Ashton Gazga K Fr. 5-10 175 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln Southwest HS
27 Emmanuel Takara DB Fr. 5-10 180 Omaha, Neb. Omaha Bryan HS
28 Zachary Rathman LB Fr.     Grand Island, Neb. Heartland Lutheran HS
28 Kaden Thompson DB Fr. 5-8 160 North Platte, Neb. Hershey HS
29 Max Bartels WR Jr. 6-3 175 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln Lutheran HS
30 Joe Kahrs ILB Sr. 5-11 235 Naponee, Neb. Franklin HS
30 Brett Voss RB Fr. 6-1 205 Lincoln, Neb. Pius X HS
31 Max Wurdeman LB So. 6-2 180 Parker, Colo. Legend HS
32 Conor Jesus LB Fr. 5-8 200 Bellevue, Neb. Bellevue West HS
32 Derek Line RB Fr. 6-1 215 Columbus, Neb. Columbus Lakeview HS
33 Keith Bell DB So. 6-0 180 Centennial Colo. Valor Christian HS
34 Ace Edwards LB Fr. 5-10 210 Winona, Kan. Wallace County HS
34 Kolby Mahler TE Fr. 6-2 225 Adams, Neb. Freeman HS
35 Zachary Downs DL Sr. 6-1 200 Montgomery, Texas Lake Creek HS
36 Kolby Houchin LB Fr. 5-11 205 Bayard, Neb. Bayard HS
36 Ethan Olson TE Fr. 6-2 275 Juniata, Neb. Heartland Lutheran HS
37 Jake Connell DB So. 5-11 175 Hyannis, Neb. Hyannis HS
38 Dustin Kapke TE Fr. 6-2 205 Clatonia, Neb. Tri County HS
39 Luke Kolsrud LB Fr. 5-11 200 Chandler, Ariz. Chandler HS
40 Michael Grindey ILB Sr. 6-1 220 Phoenix, Ariz. Brophy Prep. / Creighton University
40 Noah VanEvery TE Fr. 6-1 185 Raymond, Neb. Malcolm Public School
41 Jace Morales LB Fr. 5-9 260 Overland Park, Kan. Shawnee Mission HS
42 Drake Trent LB So. 6-3 190 Yutan, Neb. Yutan HS
43 Noah Brumm TE So. 6-4 195 Seward, Neb. Seward HS
43 Nick Leader LB Sr. 6-3 210 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln Southwest / Univ. of Nebraska
44 Maddox Rickertsen TE Jr. 6-2 220 Gothenburg, Neb. Gothenburg HS
45 John Fehlhafer K So. 6-2 185 Utica, Neb. Centennial HS
45 Mason Fortney LB Jr. 6-3 200 Ashland, Neb. Ashland-Greenwood HS
46 Brayden Kouma LB Fr. 6-0 175 Waverly, Neb. Waverly HS
47 Josh Ringler DL Fr. 5-11 205 Seward, Neb. Seward HS
48 Reed McFadden ILB Sr. 6-1 250 Purdum, Neb. Sandhills HS
49 Lukas Lafler LB So. 6-1 230 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln Christian HS
50 Derek Campbell OL Jr. 6-4 290 Geneva, Ill. Geneva Community HS
50 Andre Vaughn OL Fr. 6-2 310 Hoxie, Kan. Hoxie HS
51 George Burnham OL Fr. 6-3 220 Bennington, Neb. Concordia HS
51 Sean Meints LB So. 6-2 210 Gothenburg, Neb. Gothenburg HS
52 Brevin Damrow OL Jr. 5-10 240 Plymouth, Neb. Tri County HS
52 Kaden Sears LB So. 6-0 210 Blair, Neb. Blair HS
53 Coale Holeman DL Jr. 6-0 300 Missouri City, Texas Ridgepoint HS
53 Thomas Thomas OL Fr. 6-3 220 Hastings, Neb. Hastings St. Cecilia HS
54 Cohen Carpenter OL Sr. 6-4 260 Manvel, Texas Fort Bend Christian/Abilene Christian
54 Nick Oberle OL Fr. 5-10 215 Omaha, Neb. Omaha Westside HS
55 Carson Adams DL Jr. 6-1 235 Geneva, Neb. Fillmore Central HS
55 Joseph McQueen OL Sr. 6-3 270 Millsap, Neb. Brock HS
56 Jackson Anderson OL Sr. 6-1 245 Highlands Ranch, Colo. Valor HS
56 Tristin Skelton OL Fr. 6-2 290 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln Southwest HS
56 Keenan Troyer LB Fr. 5-10 205 Milford, Neb. Milford HS
57 Ty Fuller OL Sr. 6-2 220 Orlando, Fla. West Orange HS/Iowa Wesleyan Univ.
57 Jeremiah Vasquez OL So. 6-3 285 Edwards, Colo. Battle Mountain HS
58 Christian Schlepp OL Sr. 6-2 280 Manhattan, Kan. Manhattan HS
59 Layne Bugarske OL So. 6-4 270 Boerne, Texas Boerne-Samuel V Champion HS
59 Roy Ramirez OL Fr. 6-0 245 Clute, Texas Brazoswood HS
60 Landon Hock OL Fr. 5-10 215 Edmond, Okla. Edmond North HS
62 Joseph Jabara OL Fr. 6-4 340 Wichita, Kan. Wichita Independent HS
63 Joshua Luehr OL Fr. 6-3 260 Wood River, Neb. Wood River HS
64 Hunter Lukes DL Fr. 5-11 230 Geneva, Neb. Fillmore Central HS
65 Carter Meier OL So. 6-1 295 Pierce, Neb. Pierce HS
66 Toby Hager OL/LS Sr. 6-2 295 Buena Park, Calif. Sunny Hills HS
67 William Swanson OL So. 6-3 330 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln Southeast HS
68 Scott Cyr OL So. 6-0 225 Papillion, Neb. Platteview HS
69 Tyler Walford OL Sr. 6-3 305 Lincoln, Kan. Ellsworth HS
70 Kadence Velde OL So. 6-2 320 York, Neb. York HS / SW Minnesota State Univ.
71 Nathan Miller OL Sr. 6-5 275 Seward, Neb. Seward HS
72 Bryce Needham OL Sr. 6-2 250 Katy, Texas Katy HS
73 Terry Sebek DL So. 6-1 270 Hampton, Neb. Nebraska Christian HS
74 Blake Schlegel OL Sr. 6-6 320 Bruning, Neb. Bruning-Davenport-Shickley HS
75 Seth Moore OL Sr. 6-5 285 Kearney, Neb. Kearney Catholic HS
76 Joey Myers OL Fr. 5-11 250 Omaha, Neb. Omaha Burke HS
77 Sterling Harp NT Sr. 5-10 260 Salina, Kan. Southeast Saline HS
78 Matthew Kern DL So. 5-11 265 Washington, Kan. Washington County HS
80 Thomas Davis WR Fr. 6-0 185 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln North Star HS
81 Jackson Fry WR Fr. 6-2 180 Hesston, Kan. Hesston HS
82 Landon Hinrichs WR Fr. 6-2 175 Hastings, Neb. Hastings HS
83 Hayden Hnath WR Fr. 5-10 175 Round Rock, Texas Round Rock HS
84 Ethan Kirby TE Jr. 6-5 250 Stewardson, Ill. St. Paul Lutheran HS
85 Justin Ningen WR Sr. 5-10 180 Chapell, Neb. Creek Valley HS
86 Jonny Puelz WR So. 6-4 210 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln Lutheran HS / Neb. Wesleyan
87 Jayson Guthard P/TE So. 6-6 190 Sumner, Neb. Sumner-Eddyville-Miller HS
88 Carter Skleba WR Fr. 6-1 180 Wilber, Neb. Wilber-Clatonia HS
89 Ethan Walker WR Fr. 5-7 155 Plattsmouth, Neb. Plattsmouth HS
91 Stephen Hughes II DL Sr. 6-1 255 Denver, Colo. Columbine HS
92 AJ Frazey DL So. 6-4 220 Seward, Neb. Seward HS
93 Carson Fehlhafer DL Jr. 6-4 300 Utica, Neb. Centennial HS
94 Talatau Solo DL Sr. 6-2 230 San Bernardino, Calif. Pacific HS
95 Pablo Martinez DL Fr. 5-8 305 Wichita, Kan. Goddard HS
97 Luke Spires DL Fr. 6-0 290 Peoria, Ariz. Liberty HS
98 Brock Ostdiek DL So. 6-0 225 Beatrice, Neb. Beatrice HS
99 Jordyn Anderson DL So. 6-3 200 Hay Springs, Neb. Hay Springs HS
  Jack Freeman DL Sr. 5-11 245 Palm Coast, Fla. Flagler Palm Coast HS
  Eli Grover OL Jr. 6-0 325 Eugene, Ore. College of Siskiyous
  Braden Hackmer OL Sr. 5-9 280 Hungerford, Texas Boling HS
  Anthony Nauman DB Sr. 5-11 185 Beatrice, Neb. Beatrice HS / University of Nebraska
  Travis Parsons S So. 6-0 219 Round Rock, Texas Concordia Lutheran HS
  Noah Schaedel OL Sr. 6-2 245 Lincoln, Neb. Lincoln HS
  Karson Sherman LB Jr. 5-10 180 Glenvil, Neb. Sandy Creek HS
  Quincy Trent DB So. 6-0 185 Louisville, Neb. Louisville HS

STAFF

Patrick Daberkow, Head Coach

Corby Osten, Defensive Coordinator

Trent Laune, Special Teams Coordinator / Defensive Backs

Grady Koch, Assistant Football Coach

Kevin Crume, Assistant Football Coach

Greg Nelson, Quarterbacks

Wyatt Nickels, Graduate Assistant (Defensive Backs)

Devin Zeigler, Graduate Assistant (Running Backs)

Courtney Meyer, Specialists

Ron Jackson, Defensive Line

Vince Beasley, Receivers

Justin Hoffman, Running Backs

Chris Shipley, Inside Linebackers

Kordell Glause, Outside Linebackers

Jaxson Kant, Assistant Coach

Art Anderson, Assistant Coach

Todd Berner, Director of Strength and Conditoning

David Chouinard, Athletic Trainer

Season Preview: 2024 Concordia Football

August 19, 2024

Head Coach: Patrick Daberkow (32-36, 8th season)
2023 Record: 5-5 overall, 5-5 GPAC (T-4th)
Key Returners: RB Mark Arp; S Braxton Borer; LB CJ Dyhrkopp; DL Carson Fehlhafer; LB Michael Grindey; WR Austin Jablonski; QB DJ McGarvie; S Luke Penrod; DL Devon Polley; OL Blake Schlegel; OL Christian Schlepp; DL Kyle Sterup; WR Adam Van Cleave; OL Tyler Walford.
Key Losses: WR Carsen Arline; DB Carson Core; LB Michael Doiel; S Gabe Knisley; TE Luke Lang; RB Devin Zeigler.
2023 NAIA All-America: Austin Jablonski (First Team).
2023 GPAC All-Conference: Austin Jablonski (First Team); Kyle Sterup (First Team); Michael Grindey (Second Team); DJ McGarvie (Second Team); Tyler Walford (Second Team); Devin Ziegler (Second Team); Carson Fehlhafer (Honorable Mention); Devon Polley (Honorable Mention); Blake Schlegel (Honorable Mention).

Outlook

The feeling inside the Concordia locker room is that the time is now. It’s time to get over the hump and truly challenge for a spot amongst the elite teams in the GPAC, which has been headlined for several years by the usual suspects. There are 18 starters back in place from a squad that finished 2023 at 5-5 overall in an up-and-down campaign that fell below on-field expectations. Eighth-year Head Coach Patrick Daberkow is convinced that he has the right mix of talents and personalities on board capable of combining for the program’s best squad in several years.

Talk to many of the veterans on the roster and you get the sense that there’s a quiet confidence building within the confines of Bulldog Stadium. At some point, you have to prove it. The 2024 Bulldogs believe they will begin to do just that when the lights come on Aug. 31.

“It’s evident that they understand the talent that we have and the opportunity we have with that talent,” Daberkow said. “Along with that talent, we have some locker room leadership that’s just phenomenal. We have a locker room that has bought into what we’re doing and believes in what we’re doing. We recruited to that, and guys have really responded well to the challenges we’ve put in front of them. When you respond to challenges well, it builds your confidence. We have a confident group for good reason.”

Few teams around the country will be as veteran as this Concordia edition, which returns nearly every offensive lineman from last year’s two deep and welcomes back an All-American receiver in Austin Jablonski to go with the most prolific passer in the program’s history, senior DJ McGarvie (26 career starts). Up front, there’s plenty of strength and experience on not just the offensive line, but also on a defensive line that brings back First Team All-GPAC backfield disruptor Kyle Sterup. There’s also old man Michael Grindey (a 24-year-old linebacker) and a secondary that figures to be much improved after taking its lumps in 2023.

Since the second half of the 2022 season, the program has undergone an offensive transformation. The 30.3 points per game averaged by the ’23 squad represented the highest scoring average for Concordia since 1972. That average is expected to climb again this fall as McGarvie adds to his career totals of 6,679 passing yards and 54 passing touchdowns. The offense will feature holdovers such as receivers in Jablonski and Adam Van Cleave, running back Mark Arp, tight end Daylan Russell and talented transfers such as receiver Thomas Meadough and tight end John Goodwin.

Says Jablonski, “We know as an offense we can do really good things. The next step for us is to be able to string good things together and stack big plays on top of each other and reach a level of consistency that is congruent with our standards. I think we’ve taken really big strides towards that in fall camp. If we can keep improving on that, I think it’s going to be a really special season.”

While McGarvie and Jablonski have grabbed headlines the past couple of seasons, Daberkow has always been quick to point to the offensive line. The rise of that group has coincided with the offense’s improved productivity. Every starter from the end of 2023 is back in the fold: tackles Cohen Carpenter and Blake Schlegel, guards Tyler Walford and Christian Schlepp and center Jackson Anderson. Several others also possess ample experience and are in the mix for playing time.

On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs must become stingier. Their 31.9 points per game allowed represented the program’s highest mark since 2008. Coordinator Corby Osten and company believe they have made strides against the pass, an area of weakness last season. Up front, Sterup leads a crew that includes the likes of Carson Fehlhafer, Devon Polley, Stephen Hughes, Joe Kahrs and Tal Solo (who can play up front or at linebacker). Daberkow jokes that Fehlhafer could probably squat a car.

The linebacker group includes two-time All-GPAC honoree Grindey to go with veterans DJ Dyhrkopp and Nick Leader and former safety Deegan Barnes. The growing secondary is teeming with players who got their feet wet last season, along with a group of veterans. Daberkow and his staff have been impressed with Braxton Borer’s ability to cover ground at safety.

“We feel like we’re going to be much improved,” Daberkow said. “Our expectation is to get back to stopping the pass and not giving up things we shouldn’t. Our defensive philosophy is designed to combat the variety of different offenses we see in our conference. I think our coaches have built a defense that will put us in the best position to handle all of those things. I’m excited to see that side of the ball this fall.”

Not surprisingly based on recent years, the Bulldogs were pegged fifth in the GPAC preseason coaches’ poll behind Northwestern, Morningside, Dordt and Midland. Both Northwestern and Morningside are known throughout the NAIA as national powers. Concordia competed closely with the Red Raiders in the 2023 season opener in a shootout from a muggy Bulldog Stadium. Instead of showing flashes of playing at an elite level, the Bulldogs expect to display those types of performances with regularity this fall.

“I know that it’s a possibility for us,” said Jablonski when asked about the chances of reaching the 2024 postseason. “You look at our roster up and down and we have guys at every spot that can get the job done at a very high level. Since this last offseason, we’ve put a good amount of focus into the mental side of competing. Everything that we do, we compete. It’s changed the ways that we think, not only about football but about life. We want to be the best and know that we can be. I think that belief is finally there. We can go out and beat anybody we play if we execute our gameplan and play with that team chemistry.”

In August camp, Concordia has assimilated a large group of freshmen while continuing to develop depth to go with the significant veteran presence. With Devin Zeigler now a graduate assistant on the staff, Arp looks to step into a starting role at running back while others such as Carlos Collazo emerge at that position. Another storyline revolves around the return from injury of Van Cleave, who appeared on his way to a stellar 2023 season before sidelined by injury. The roster includes other reinforcements in the form of older players who decided to use a redshirt or COVID exemption. Schlepp and Toby Hager are both back for year six within the program.

On special teams, the Bulldogs are considering a variety of options for the duties of placekicker and kickoffs. In addition, the punter position remains up for grabs. Both Max Wurdeman and Hager are experienced as long snappers. Borer spent time last season as both a punter and punt returner. The game-breaking talents of Jablonski could also be put to use in kick return.

To sum it up, the difference between going 5-5 or much better can often be very slim. Wins often occur when one team gets the upper hand over the other in the margins. It’s simple in theory, but not so simple to put into practice.

“We have to not repeat mistakes from last year,” Daberkow said. “All of the coach speak is true. In tight moments, we can’t leave it up to any judgement calls or one-play scenarios. We need to close the door on situations and score more in the red zone. It’s about learning from the mistakes we made last year and making sure those losses were lessons. There have to be lessons in wins too. It’s nothing earth shattering – let’s not do the things we did wrong last year. It’s really not rocket science, it’s football. If we can do that, we’ll be all right.”

The chemistry and leadership aspects of what makes a successful team appear to be in place. Take it from those who have experienced every single day inside the locker and weight rooms and on the practice fields.

Says Jablonski of the team’s makeup, “You’re not just a leader because you’re older. I think we have a lot of leaders who are in that position because they’re older and they truly care about this program and have everyone’s best interests. You just think about guys who have come back for their sixth years – or Grindey it’s his 18th year or something. Guys really care about this program and it just shows. When you see someone with so much passion about an organization, it’s not hard to listen to them and to follow them and be inspired by them.”

The 2024 season will officially kick off on Aug. 31 when Concordia hosts new GPAC member Waldorf inside Bulldog Stadium. The game is slated to get underway at 7 p.m. CT. View the complete schedule HERE.

Warriors walloped as Bulldogs ring in 2024 season

September 1, 2024

 On the opening day of the 2024 season, the Concordia University Football team greeted visiting Waldorf University with a rather rude welcome to the Great Plains Athletic Conference. The first ever meeting on the gridiron between the two sides was a complete whitewashing. Five Bulldogs found the end zone as part of the 45-7 demolition of the Warriors inside Bulldog Stadium on a pleasant Saturday (Aug. 31) night.

This was exactly the dominant start Head Coach Patrick Daberkow had hoped for from an experienced squad with superior strength up front. Now in year eight, Daberkow just might have his best team yet.

“I was pleased to see how we operated,” Daberkow said. “I thought our group 1s and 2s did a pretty good job of executing our game plan. It was fun to see that come together, and what a beautiful night in Bulldog Stadium.

“Any time you’re in a game like this, you kind of want to get everybody in. It was good to see the guys come out and start it off the way we did.”

Fourth-year starting quarterback DJ McGarvie and his offensive mates put this one away in the first half while scoring touchdowns on six of their first seven possessions. Those six first-half touchdown drives covered distances of 83, 68, 79, 45, 69 and 32 yards, respectively. There was also a safety sandwiched in-between that was caused by the hard-charging pass rush of the ferocious Kyle Sterup. The statistics said it all – Concordia averaged 7.4 yards per play (565 total yards) and Waldorf averaged just 3.7 yards per play (209 total yards).

The occasion marked breakout performances for the likes of transfer tight end John Goodwin (former Cornhusker) and sophomore running back Carlos Collazo. McGarvie found Goodwin for each of the game’s first two touchdowns on strikes of 10 and 27 yards. A bruising, physical back, Collazo carried the ball 18 times for 128 yards and a score. His long rush of 43 yards was finished with a lowering of the boom on a Waldorf defender. The backfield duo of Collazo and Mark Arp (69 rushing yards and a touchdown on Saturday) figures to be a potent one.

Said Collazo afterwards of his efforts, “Last year was kind of rough. The second week, I tore my PCL and that put me out the rest of the year. Going in, I kind of had that chip on my shoulder. I knew where I would be sitting depth chart-wise and that I had to come in and work. It was a blessing to be able to go out there. The offensive line dominated their defensive line. They made it easy for me.”

McGarvie went 17-for-22 for 220 yards and three touchdowns (57 career) before giving way to Gideon Stark (5-for-8 for 102 yards) for the final 30 minutes. McGarvie and Stark combined to complete passes to eight different receivers. Adam Van Cleave hauled in seven receptions for 80 yards, Austin Jablonski made six grabs for 71 yards and transfer Jonny Puelz pulled in two catches for 89 yards. In addition, tight end Daylan Russell nabbed a 14-yard touchdown strike from McGarvie.

The offense showed balance with 322 passing yards and 243 rushing yards. Four different running backs saw action. The lopsided nature of the contest gave all of Concordia’s starters a rest. The starting group up front included tackles Cohen Carpenter and Blake Schlegel, guards Tyler Walford and Christian Schlepp and center Jackson Anderson.

Said Daberkow in assessing the offense, “I thought DJ made some great throws and great decisions and was just operating at a very high level … It was a breakout on the stat sheet (for Collazo), but it wasn’t a breakout for us because we seem him do this all the time. We have a great running back room.”

The defense also flexed its muscles in producing constant pressure in the backfield. The Bulldogs registered seven tackles for loss and three sacks. The veteran defensive front of Carson Fehlhafer, Devon Polley and Sterup helped hassle quarterback Louis Williams into a 9-for-17, 69-yard passing performance. Those numbers were music to the ears of a secondary that will be better after taking some lumps in 2023.

Statically, linebacker Grant Huss paced Concordia with 12 tackles while fellow backer Michael Grindey added nine stops. Tal Solo was exceptionally disruptive in notching five tackles (one for loss) and Zachary Downs subbed in and recorded a second-half sack.

Said Solo, “The thing we have to improve on is getting to the quarterback more. I think we showcased that today … I feel like we did exactly what the coaches wanted us to do.”

Concordia punted only twice and got solid results in that area. The son of former Baltimore Ravens punter Sam Koch, Braxtyn Koch punted twice for an average of 44.5 yards with one landing inside the 20. Meanwhile, Peyton Atwood made all five extra point attempts and Admir Mujkic handled kickoff duties.

The Warriors, coached by Doane alum Tyler Chapa, went 4-6 last season. They had their most success offensively with the quarterback run. Williams gained 105 yards on 16 attempts. Tailback Rocky Ketchum was stonewalled with just 33 yards on 23 carries. Waldorf avoided being shutout by scoring on a 17-yard pass play with 32 seconds left in the contest.

Another home night game is coming up next Saturday (Sept. 7) when perennial power Morningside (0-1) pays a visit to Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT in Seward. In their 2024 opener, the 10th-ranked Mustangs fell in a shootout with No. 19 Benedictine College (Kan.), 48-45, in Sioux City, Iowa. Morningside went 9-3 and qualified for the NAIA playoffs in 2023.

McGarvie named GPAC Offensive Player of the Week following win over Waldorf

September 2, 2024

On the heels of leading a 45-point first-half outburst in the season opener, Concordia senior quarterback DJ McGarvie has been named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Offensive Player of the Week. The announcement from the league office on Monday (Sept. 2) marked the fourth time in McGarvie’s career that he has earned GPAC weekly recognition. He garnered the same recognition once in each of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons.

The native of Valparaiso, Neb., made the 27th start of his career in the 45-7 win over Waldorf. With McGarvie at the controls, the Bulldogs scored touchdowns on six of their first seven possessions. While playing in the first half only, McGarvie went 17-for-22 with 220 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for a 17-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Two of McGarvie’s scoring tosses went to tight end John Goodwin (10 and 27 yards, respectively) and the other went to tight end Daylan Russell (14 yards).

The Lincoln North Star High School product continues to add to his school record numbers. In 30 career collegiate games, McGarvie has thrown for 6,899 yards and 57 touchdowns while completing 57.4 percent (586-for-1,021) of his passes. By season, McGarvie has turned in touchdown-to-interception ratios of 19-7 in 2021, 18-6 in 2022 and 17-10 in 2023.

McGarvie and the Bulldogs are getting set to host No. 10 Morningside at 7 p.m. CT on Saturday. The Mustangs dropped their season opener, 48-45, to No. 19 Benedictine College (Kan.).

Tenth-ranked Mustangs topple Bulldogs with aerial onslaught

September 7, 2024

Tenth-ranked Morningside played like a team on a mission a week after falling in heartbreaking fashion while up against No. 19 Benedictine College (Kan.). On a perfect Saturday (Sept. 7) inside Bulldog Stadium, the Mustangs crashed the party and dealt the Concordia University Football team a 51-21 defeat. A first-possession scoring drive and an early pick-six put the Bulldogs in a 14-0 hole they never recovered from.

One week after mounting a 45-0 halftime lead over Waldorf, Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad experienced the other side of a decisive GPAC clash.

“It’s hard to digest,” Daberkow said. “You can’t shoot yourself in the foot against a good team like that. We didn’t play well enough to win. That’s what happens when you don’t against a good team. There’s a lot to think about and a lot to watch (on film). We’ll watch it and we’ll get better from it.”

With a veteran roster featuring a slew of returning All-GPAC players, Concordia believed this meeting with Morningside would be different. However, the Mustangs flexed their muscles on the road while showcasing their array of offensive weapons. Iowa Wesleyan transfer quarterback Zack Chevalier especially favored throwing to Drew Sellon, who snared a school record 18 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Chevalier picked the Bulldogs apart for 481 yards while completing 44-of-57 passes. A back breaker came on Morningside’s second touchdown drive when it converted a third and 22, setting up a nine-yard touchdown toss from Chevalier to Sellon.

In the third quarter, Concordia began to establish a degree of offensive success it had hoped to showcase from the opening kick. Quarterback DJ McGarvie helped engineer a 13-play, 65-yard drive that ended with a six-yard touchdown strike to Austin Jablonski on a fourth-and-goal play. Later in the third, running back Carlos Collazo carried Mustang defenders into the end zone on a nine-yard touchdown run. The battering ram of a carry by Collazo polished off a nine-play, 72-yard drive.

The Bulldog defense did manage to force five second-half Morningside punts, but the outcome had largely been decided. The Mustangs added an exclamation point with a second pick-six. Landry Phipps corralled a deflected pass and tip-toed down the left sideline for a 27-yard interception return in the final quarter. Concordia had four-straight offensive possessions with the score stuck at 44-21.

There were a whopping 159 plays from scrimmage as both teams leaned on the pass. The Bulldog defense was forced to defend sideline to sideline against a Morningside attack that spreads the field and sprays passes horizontally to the boundaries. There were four Concordia players with double-digit tackle totals: Michael Grindey (13), Will Potratz (13), Grant Huss (10) and Nick Leader (10). Grindey also made 2.5 tackles for loss and came up with a sack. Defensive back Daylan Henson intercepted a pass and broke up another. While Morningside racked up the passing yardage, it ran for only 48 yards on 24 attempts.

It was an inefficient day for the Bulldog passing game. McGarvie went 18-for-44 for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He was picked off three times (twice by Phipps). McGarvie has surpassed 7,000 career passing yards. Jablonski was Concordia’s leading receiver with nine grabs for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Adam Van Cleave registered four receptions for 43 yards. In the running game, Mark Arp carried 20 times for 78 yards and Collazo rushed 11 times for 41 yards and a touchdown. The offense’s streak of six-straight games without allowing a sack ended as the Mustangs notched two sacks.

It was an active night for freshman punter Braxtyn Koch, who booted the ball nine times for an average of 38.0 yards per attempt. He had a long of 55. His work was a bright spot on an evening that saw the Bulldogs come up short of their expectations.

Said Daberkow, “It’s okay to sit in this a little bit and think about where we were so off. I told one of our linebackers that we’re going to find out a lot about our locker room after this. Regardless of the circumstances, we’re going to act a certain way. This will test that. I have all the confidence in the world that our guys will handle it with poise and get better from it.”

Morningside (1-1, 1-0 GPAC) had actually dropped four of its last five games (dating back to the end of 2023) coming into the evening. In the Mustangs’ pass-oriented offense, four different receivers caught at least seven passes on Saturday. Chevalier has already eclipsed 1,000 passing yards for the season in just two games.

The Bulldogs will hit the road for the first time in 2024 as they set their sights on next Saturday (Sept. 14)’s trek to Mitchell, S.D., for a clash with Dakota Wesleyan (0-2, 0-1 GPAC). In game No. 2 of the season, the Tigers were tripped up at home by Mount Marty, 24-17. Concordia will attempt to avenge last season’s 16-12 home defeat at the hands of DWU. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series, 13-11.

Arp, Collazo run wild as Dawgs trounce Tigers

September 14, 2024

 While leaning upon the legs of Mark Arp and Carlos Collazo and the dominance of its veteran offensive line, the Concordia University Football team piled up more yardage than any other Bulldog edition ever has during the GPAC era (2000-present). The 641 total yards jumped off the page in what amounted to a 42-7 thumping of Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell, S.D., on Saturday (Sept. 14). Arp racked up more than 200 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns while Collazo passed the century mark and found the end zone twice.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad moved to 2-1 on the season in acing its first road test of the 2024 season. In this outing, the Bulldogs scored 3:19 into the contest and owned the lead the rest of the way.

“Any time you can get a win on the road, you’ll take it,” Daberkow said. “I was proud of how we started – we started fast. We had a little lull in the middle of the first quarter and then turned it on. In the postgame locker room, we always nominate someone who had an obvious good game. Today our o-line did a great job. That’s where this game was decided – in the trenches. Any time you rush for 340, it’s a cumulative effort. I thought DJ (McGarvie) made good decisions, the o-line was blocking really well and Mark and Carlos did a great job.”

While taking ownership of the line of scrimmage, Concordia put together respective scoring drives that covered 75, 80, 87, 87, 80, 75 and 94 yards. The game’s opening possession was polished off when McGarvie fired a 12-yard touchdown strike to tight end Daylan Russell, who made a nifty grab on the sideline. The Bulldogs then turned to the ground game and got touchdown runs of 51 and four yards from Collazo to make it a comfortable 21-0 lead by halftime.

Concordia put its foot on the gas with three second-half touchdown totes from Arp, who totaled a career high 210 rushing yards. He carried the ball 32 times in a workhorse performance that also saw him catch two passes for 15 yards. The McCook, Neb., native Arp surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for his collegiate career. Meanwhile, Collazo needed only eight carries to churn out 116 yards. The Marquette, Neb., native has found the end zone in all three games this season. The Bulldogs are averaging 231.7 rushing yards per game behind an offensive line featuring Cohen Carpenter and Blake Schlegel at the tackles, Tyler Walford and Christian Schlepp at the guard spots and Jackson Anderson at center.

McGarvie enjoyed an efficient passing day as he completed 26-of-35 attempts for 309 yards and a touchdown (60th career touchdown pass). His favorite target was the All-American Austin Jablonski, who made nine grabs for 142 yards. In addition, Adam Van Cleave notched seven catches for 87 yards and tight end John Goodwin plucked three receptions for 45 yards. Concordia achieved a nice balance with 332 rushing yards and 309 passing yards.

Defensively, the Bulldogs surrendered 370 yards but buckled down when it counted. Dakota Wesleyan (0-3, 0-2 GPAC) scored on only one of its three red zone trips. Tiger quarterback Carter Johnson finished 21-for-33 for 234 yards and a touchdown toss to Cole Holden. Four players led the Concordia defense with seven tackles apiece: Grant Huss, Luke Penrod, Jaden Seier and Kyle Sterup. Both Sterup and Devon Polley (strip sack and two tackles for loss) registered a sack. The fumble forced by Polley was recovered by Stephen Hughes and ended a red zone drive.

Said Daberkow, “I think the defense really held when they needed to today. On special teams, we gave them a couple of short fields that we probably shouldn’t have, and our defense really responded well in those moments. I was really proud of the defense. They bent, but they didn’t break.”

From a special teams perspective, Peyton Atwood nailed all six of his PATs and Braxtyn Koch punted twice for an average of 45.5 yards per attempt. One of Koch’s punts went 52 yards and settled out of bounds at the Dakota Wesleyan 6.

The contest marked the 25th all-time meeting between Concordia and Dakota Wesleyan. The Bulldogs have the edge, 14-11, after avenging last season’s 16-12 nail-biter of a loss in Seward. The Tigers have a first-year head coach in Alex Kretzschmar, who replaced Ross Cimpl (now the DWU AD). DWU was coming off a heartbreaker of a 24-17 loss to in-state foe Mount Marty.

Next Saturday will bring another road trip as the Bulldogs look forward to taking on Briar Cliff (1-2, 1-1 GPAC) in Sioux City, Iowa. Kickoff from Memorial Field is slated for 1 p.m. CT. Concordia has won five-straight matchups with the Chargers and leads the all-time series, 18-3. Briar Cliff fell at Hastings, 44-35, in its week three outing.

Career best day leads to GPAC Player of the Week honors for Arp

September 16, 2024

 A Concordia Bulldog has won two of the first three GPAC Offensive Player of the Week awards in 2024. On Monday (Sept. 16), the league office recognized senior running back Marp Arp as the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Offensive Player of the Week. Arp has earned this award for the first time in his career. Quarterback DJ McGarvie pulled in the same recognition on Sept. 2.

A native of McCook, Neb., and McCook High School alum, Arp had previously rushed for more than 100 yards twice in his career. Running behind Concordia’s veteran offensive line, Arp elevated his game in last week’s 42-7 win at Dakota Wesleyan while carrying the ball 32 times for 210 yards and three touchdowns. Arp found the end zone once in the third quarter and twice in the fourth quarter. As part of the performance, Arp eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards (1,199) for his career.

Arp is the current GPAC leader with 357 rushing yards on the season (for an average of 119.0 per game). Arp and teammate Carlos Collazo are tied for the conference lead in rushing touchdowns with four apiece. The Bulldog ground attack is averaging 231.7 yards per game, ranking 10th nationally in that category.

Arp and his Concordia teammates will be back on the road this week to take on Briar Cliff (1-2, 1-1 GPAC). Saturday’s kickoff in Sioux City, Iowa, is set for 1 p.m. CT.

Bulldogs take ownership of line of scrimmage, bully Briar Cliff

September 21, 2024

 Make it three utterly dominant victories in four outings for the Concordia University Football team. The Bulldogs found balance in the run and pass games on Saturday (Sept. 21) and bullied host Briar Cliff by a final score of 63-13 at Memorial Field in Sioux City, Iowa. DJ McGarvie whirled five touchdown tosses and sizzling running back Marp Arp found the end zone twice as part of the throttling. It started up front for a Concordia squad that piled up 479 more yards of total offense.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad has put together back-to-back blowout wins on the road while moving to 3-1 overall (3-1 GPAC). The 63 points scored were the most ever by a Bulldog Football team in a GPAC conference game and the most for the program since a 64-0 win over Martin Luther in 1982.

“We put together a game plan and you want to be able to execute it. I thought our guys executed it really well,” Daberkow said. “We were able to run a lot of our stuff and felt good about it. We had very explosive second and third quarters. I think we’re a tough offense to defend. If teams really want to take away one thing, we can hit them with the other. We have a confident group in our ability to do that. It’s good to see it come together.”

One week after rattling off 641 yards of offense, Concordia was more efficient in terms of putting points on the board. The touchdown drives at Briar Cliff covered respective distances of 17, 19, 74, 12, 56, 69, 44 and 74 yards. An opportunistic defense set up the opening touchdown when linebacker Grant Huss picked off a pass. In adding an exclamation mark on the 35-point third-quarter outburst, Daylon Henson maneuvered his way into the end zone for a pick six. The Bulldogs’ ownership of the line of scrimmage combined with a plus-five turnover margin made it a long afternoon for Briar Cliff.

Kept comfortable by his veteran offensive line, McGarvie padded his school record career touchdown pass total (65 and counting) with scoring tosses of three and 12 yards to Daylan Russell, 11 and 50 yards to Austin Jablonski and 36 yards to Adam Van Cleave. The reigning GPAC Offensive Player of the Week Arp found paydirt from eight and 38 yards out as part of his 24-carry, 156-yard rushing effort. Arp entered the day as the GPAC’s leading rusher.

Said Daberkow, “Any time you score more than 60 points, your offensive line deserves credit. We really did a good job up front protecting our quarterbacks and we ran the ball well. To have 230 rushing and 250 passing is the balance we want to strike. I thought we could have done better on third down, but our fourth down efficiency was really good. We took some chances and went for it quite a bit on fourth down today.”

McGarvie finished 13-for-23 for 169 yards and five touchdown passes. He was later relieved by Gideon Stark (8-for-10 for 74 yards) and Camden Jensen (2-for-4 for six yards) as the score got out of hand. With Carlos Collazo sidelined (expected back next week), Jesse Herndon got carries as the No. 2 back and rushed 12 times for 49 yards and a touchdown. Jablonski pulled in five catches for 71 yards as he nears 2,000 career receiving yards. Van Cleave hauled in four receptions for 59 yards and Russell made six grabs for 42 yards. Russell has four touchdowns on the year. The Bulldogs averaged a healthy clip of 5.9 yards per rush and did not allow a sack.

As good as Concordia’s offensive line was, the d-line matched that play on the other side of the ball. The Briar Cliff rushing attack mustered only 1.7 yards per carry while faced with the likes of Carson Fehlhafer, Devon Polley and Kyle Sterup. Polley posted two sacks to lead a defense that recorded six sacks. Two fumbles were forced by Stephen Hughes while Deegan Barnes was credited with a team high 12 tackles. Tal Solo also registered seven tackles and a sack.

“Our defensive line really dominated the line of scrimmage today,” Daberkow said. “I was proud of their effort. I thought they really handled things. We held them to 61 yards rushing. That’s about as much as you can ask for. Defensive touchdowns are good for my soul. I love seeing those guys convert interceptions into touchdowns.”

Briar Cliff slumped to 1-3 (1-2 GPAC) with its one win being a 15-10 decision at Doane. The Chargers made it a competitive first quarter with Concordia by mounting a nine-play 75-yard drive that got them within one, 7-6. That’s when the wheels came off as the Bulldogs owned the second and third quarters by a combined score of 56-0. Briar Cliff got its two scores via a one-yard run by Matthew Mason and a three-yard rush by Gavin Dobson.

Through four games, Concordia is averaging 42.8 points per game and 489.0 yards per game, figures that would both shatter school records for a season. The previous high for points scored by the Bulldogs in a GPAC game came in 2021 when the Bulldogs toppled Briar Cliff, 61-21.

Following two weeks on the road, the Bulldogs will host No. 10 Dordt (2-0, 2-0 GPAC) on homecoming Saturday (Sept. 28). In this week’s action, the Defenders steamrolled Hastings, 58-0, at home. Dordt has won each of the past six series meetings with Concordia, including a 29-28 squeaker in Seward in 2022.

Homecoming clash with No. 9 Dordt results in defeat

September 28, 2024

For the second time this season, the Concordia University Football team came up short while hosting an NAIA top 10 ranked opponent. The Bulldogs kept within two scores for the majority of the sun-splashed homecoming (Sept. 28) clash but couldn’t overcome the power rushing attack of ninth-ranked Dordt, which held the ball for more than 40 minutes of game time. The Defenders used that run game and a two red zone stops on the defensive end in the process of claiming a 33-22 win inside Bulldog Stadium.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad slipped to 3-2 a week after claiming a second straight blowout road win. Concordia continues to seek that elusive signature victory against one of the league’s powerhouse programs.

“You want to win that one – it’s tough,” Daberkow said. “You feel like you deserve to win when you’re working as hard as they’re working. This one stings, but we will rebound. I have a lot of trust in our resolve and no doubt about the leadership in our locker room … Dordt does a really good job with that triple option attack. It’s the only time you see it throughout the year. We felt really good about the plan today. At the end of the day, you have to make plays on money downs.”

The sequence at the end of the first half enabled the Defenders to construct a double-digit lead that they would maintain the rest of the way. Leading only 10-7 with less than five minutes remaining until halftime, Dordt marched 79 yards on nine plays and punctuated the possession with Kolson Kruse’s 17-yard touchdown toss to Kaden Harken. An interception with inside of minute until the break then set up a chip-shot field goal from Stephen Leinen. The visitors led 20-7 at the half.

Leinen wound up going 4-for-4 on field goal tries and put the game out of reach with a 35-yarder that made it 33-14 with 2:30 left in the game. Concordia never got back within one score in the second half despite some big plays from quarterback DJ McGarvie. He rushed 48 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter on a fourth and two. McGarvie also delivered a 74-yard touchdown strike to favorite target Austin Jablonski in the third quarter and later added a touchdown pass of 14 yards to tight end Daylan Russell.

The ability of the defense to force field goal tries gave the Bulldogs a fighting chance, but it spent a lot of the afternoon surrendering chunk plays in the run game. Nick Wellen carried the ball 17 times for 90 yards and a touchdown while the quarterback Kruse rushed for 76 yards. One of the biggest back breakers for Concordia came when a botched punt snap resulted in the Dordt punter rushing for a first down. Three plays later, Keenan Valverde raced 55 yards to the end zone, pushing the Defender lead to 27-7 late in the third quarter.

Dordt finished with a 492-376 advantage in total yards. The Bulldogs countered the strong Defender rushing attack with the nation’s leading rusher in Mark Arp. He toted the rock 25 times for 87 tough yards. Concordia managed to churn out 154 rushing yards with the help of McGarvie’s touchdown burst. In the passing game, McGarvie went 21-for-37 for 222 yards and two touchdowns (67 career touchdown passes). Jablonski reeled in seven grabs for 104 yards while eclipsing 2,000 receiving yards for his career. In addition, Adam Van Cleave snagged six receptions for 62 yards.

Defensively, safety Daylon Henson (pick-six last week at Briar Cliff) enjoyed another strong day in piling up a team high 11 tackles to go with two stops for loss and a forced fumble. Henson’s forced fumble (recovered by Nick Leader) ended a Dordt red zone threat in the opening quarter. Leader also notched 10 tackles and Grant Huss came up with an interception for the second straight week. At linebacker, Michael Grindey collected seven tackles (2.5 for loss) and a pass breakup. Kyle Sterup posted 1.5 tackles for loss.

An NAIA playoff qualifier last season, Dordt (3-0) remains undefeated on the season. The Defenders have won each of the past seven series meetings with Concordia. Dordt was actually ranked No. 3 in the NAIA in ESPN’s Bill Connelly’s latest SP+ rankings.

The Bulldogs had won each of their previous three homecoming games against ranked opponents. Said Daberkow, “I thought our guys played hard. Our guys fight. You can tell they love each other by how they play. I’m excited to get back to the drawing board and go work on Northwestern now. You want so badly for our guys to experience success together. I’m confident about our guys’ response to this. We’re going to continue to fight because that’s our character.”

Another stiff test awaits as the Bulldogs will be headed to Orange City, Iowa, next Saturday for a clash with No. 2 Northwestern (4-0, 4-0 GPPAC). The defending GPAC champion Red Raiders routed Doane, 31-7, in this week’s action. Northwestern has won each of the past seven series matchups with Concordia dating back to 2017.

Bulldogs stun No. 2 Northwestern behind stifling, ball-hawking defense

October 5, 2024

 Recent history was against the Concordia University Football team in its matchup with No. 2 Northwestern. The 2024 Bulldogs decided to write their own history. Behind a stifling defense that picked off four passes, Concordia stunned the defending GPAC champion Red Raiders, 29-17, inside a warm and blustery De Valois Stadium in Orange City, Iowa, on Saturday (Oct. 5). It’s a place the Bulldogs had not won since 2002. The result snapped Northwestern’s 20-game home winning streak.

The achievement marked the program’s most significant victory since Head Coach Patrick Daberkow was promoted prior to the start of the 2017 season. Concordia (4-2, 4-2 GPAC) led for the final 25 minutes of the second half and pulled off exactly the signature victory that had eluded it.

“We had things go our way today because we forced them to go our way,” Daberkow said. “Our players made plays in big moments. Big players make big plays in big games. This is a big game for us. To go do it on the road in an environment like this up here – it had been too long. We’re really excited about what happened today. I’m more excited about the locker room and how they handled the loss last week. I’m just proud of our guys. That was about as much fun as I’ve had in a postgame locker room. Singing The Doxology is always a lot more fun after a win.”

The upset became reality in large part because the Bulldogs enjoyed the upper hand at the line of scrimmage. Carson Fehlhafer proved nearly unblockable from his nose guard spot and the Concordia defense swelled with confidence as the afternoon wore on. The Bulldogs ultimately sealed the victory in the fourth quarter when safety Daylon Henson plucked his second interception of the day. Four plays later, Mark Arp found the end zone with 1:13 left for the game’s final points.

Weird and wacky things have happened in Orange City before (see the 2007 and 2013 games when Concordia thought it had Northwestern beat), but there would be no late heroics for the Red Raiders. They were beaten by a GPAC opponent other than Morningside for the first time since 2016. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs defeated a top 10 team for the first time since a 29-18 home victory over No. 7 Doane in 2017. It was Concordia’s first road win over a ranked team since 2014 (at No. 15 Sterling College).

Said Daberkow, “You talk about a team effort. With the way the wind was today and how it shifted, it seemed like it was in our face every quarter. That factors in on special teams. We made some big stops on defense. Going for the score (in the fourth quarter) was an aggressive move, but I loved it.

“It’s really encouraging to think about what we’ve been through so far this season. To add a win against the No. 2 team on the road is great for the playoff resume. We go into the bye week with some big things ahead of us. We’re really excited.”

In order to make it happen, Concordia had to respond to an early gut punch when it went three-and-out and Northwestern proceeded to march 75 yards on 13 plays while going up 7-0 on Logan Meyer’s four-yard touchdown rush. From that point on, Fehlhafer and company wreaked havoc. All-American running back Konner McQuillan managed only 43 yards on 13 carries and the Red Raider rushing attack was stonewalled – 52 yards and an average of 1.7 yards per rush. Northwestern did not gain a single first down for the entirety of the third quarter.

Though the Red Raiders had to replace NAIA Player of the Year Jalyn Gramstad this season, their quarterbacks had entered this game with a 9-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio. That statistic changed dramatically on Saturday as each of the Bulldog safeties nabbed at least one pick: Henson (two), Luke Penrod and Jaden Seier. All of them were crippling – the first ending a red zone drive, the second leading to an Arp touchdown, the third setting up a DJ McGarvie touchdown pass and the fourth putting Concordia in position for the game clinching score.

Offensively, the Bulldogs totaled 320 yards. McGarvie found both Austin Jablonski (nine yards) and Adam Van Cleave (19 yards) for a touchdown apiece. In addition, Arp ran for 85 yards and two scores on 27 bruising carries. McGarvie went 17-for-27 for 173 yards through the air and was not sacked as part of another strong showing for a veteran offensive line. Jablonski hauled in seven receptions for 106 yards and Van Cleave made five grabs for 48 yards. The one Concordia turnover (a fumbled handoff) did not hurt as Northwestern misfired on a 39-yard field goal.

The defense limited the potent Red Raider offense to 253 total yards (11 first downs). The one major gaffe resulted in a 67-yard touchdown pass from Colby Duncan to Austyn Gerard (putting the home team within 17-14 in the fourth quarter). The Bulldog D was led by nine tackles (two for loss) from linebacker Nick Leader. Fellow backers Michael Grindey and Grant Huss were credited with a sack apiece. At the line of scrimmage, Devon Polley made two tackles for loss in teaming up with standouts in Fehlhafer and Kyle Sterup.

On special teams, Braxtyn Koch punted 10 times for an average of 37.5 yards per attempt. Only one of his punts was returned and he landed a 46-yarder out of bounds at the Northwestern 6. Meanwhile, Peyton Atwood booted a 26-yard field goal in the third quarter to give Concordia a 10-7 lead at the time.

The Bulldogs will have a bye next week as they prepare for their next outing on Saturday, Oct. 19. On that date, Concordia will be in Crete, Neb., for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff with rival Doane. The Tigers slipped to 1-5 (1-4 GPAC) with their loss at No. 8 Dordt, 38-3, on Saturday. The Bulldogs have taken three of the past four meetings with Doane.

With four games remaining in the regular season, Concordia has caught the attention of national observers and could even crack next week’s NAIA top 25. For now, Daberkow, his staff and players are going to enjoy this one.

Added Daberkow, “I'm just proud to be part of Bulldog Nation. I'm very excited for our players and our alums. There are a lot of guys who graduated last year, two years ago and 18 years ago that I wish could be part of this today. They all are in their own way. It's just really fun to see it come together.”

Fehlhafer awarded NAIA National and GPAC weekly honors following momentous win

October 7, 2024

One of the ringleaders that spurred the upset of No. 2 Northwestern, junior Carson Fehlhafer has been honored with major awards. On Monday (Oct. 7), the NAIA recognized Fehlhafer as the NAIA National Defensive Player of the Week while the GPAC league office named Fehlhafer the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Defensive Player of the Week. Fehlhafer joins teammates Mark Arp and DJ McGarvie as the third Concordia University Football player to earn a GPAC Player of the Week award this season. Fehlhafer is the program's first NAIA National Player of the Week since D'Mauria Martin in October 2017.

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Fehlhafer wreaked havoc upon the Red Raider offense. He registered eight tackles, three sacks and a pass breakup in the 29-17 victory in Orange City, Iowa, that sent shockwaves throughout the NAIA football world. From his nose guard spot, the Utica, Neb., native played a major role in the Concordia defense limiting Northwestern to 253 total yards, including only 52 on the ground (1.7 yards per rush). The pressure generated by Fehlhafer also helped cause Red Raider quarterbacks to throw four interceptions.

Also a national qualifying thrower in track & field, Fehlhafer leads the Bulldogs with five sacks this season. For his career, he has logged 71 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

Fehlhafer and the Bulldogs (4-2, 4-2 GPAC) have a bye this week. They will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 19 for a rivalry matchup at Doane.

In the trenches: veteran lines key to growth of Bulldog Football

October 10, 2024

Skill players such as DJ McGarvie, Austin Jablonski and Mark Arp have earned their share of the spotlight for the Concordia University, Nebraska Football program. It’s well-deserved considering the McGarvie-to-Jablonski connection has been as fruitful as any quarterback-to-receiver combination in the history of the program. Simultaneously, the big guys up front have worked in the shadows, progressing year-by-year while becoming physically and emotionally mature enough to not just handle the rigors of trench play in the GPAC – but to thrive.

The cohesion is obvious for an offensive line that includes a pair of sixth-year guys, Toby Hager and Christian Schlepp. On both sides of the line of scrimmage, the Bulldogs are teeming with experience, depth and strength. It’s no wonder Concordia has outnumbered its opponents in sacks, 18-2, through the season’s first six games.

If the Bulldogs were to realize their lofty goals of becoming NAIA playoff contenders in 2024, their success was going to start up front. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow told you so prior to the start of the season. As Daberkow said back in July, “Any time you have success on offense, you have to think about your offensive line. All those guys are coming back. To have them back is the biggest advantage in our program. We have work to do still, but we’re very confident in our ability to accomplish our goals because of our offensive line.”

Line-of-scrimmage superiority carried the day last week at No. 2 Northwestern as the Bulldogs earned the type of signature win they have worked desperately hard to secure. Up against an NAIA superpower, Concordia won the rushing battle nearly 3-to-1 (147 to 52 yards) and registered five sacks to the Red Raiders’ none. The constant pressure put on by nose guard Carson Fehlhafer (three sacks) and company played a role in Northwestern quarterbacks throwing four critical interceptions. In another ‘prove-it game,’ the Bulldogs finally did just that.

Such an exhilarating win (arguably the program’s most significant since the 2001 GPAC championship season) would not have been possible without the leaps that have been made up front. Three years ago, when many of the current veterans were just young pups, the Bulldogs averaged 314.6 yards and 23.6 points per game. Those numbers have spiked to 443.8 yards and 37.0 points in 2024 – and that’s with Concordia having played the league’s three teams currently ranked in the NAIA top 10.

Offensive line coach Grady Koch has seen the development up close. Says Koch, “The group of guys have grown a ton in their four, five and six years in the program. They are an extremely unselfish, tough, team-first group that works extremely hard as a whole. With all of the reps they have taken, they have become very football smart and are really good at talking and thinking things through. What has helped them be so successful is that they are a group that plays extremely hard and extremely physical regardless of situation.”

The veteran offensive line starts a senior (fourth year or otherwise) at all five spots: Cohen Carpenter and Blake Schlegel at the tackles, Tyler Walford and Christian Schlepp at the guard spots and Jackson Anderson at center. Those five players have opened each of the first six games while Hager has been a regular in the rotation. In certain short yardage situations, the Bulldogs will employ their “Rhino Package” that places nine offensive linemen on the field at once. Concordia has additional seniors in its two deep in Brevin Damrow, Nathan Miller and Seth Moore.

Daberkow described the intricacies of each of the individual parts of the offensive line. As discussed by Daberkow, the “scrappy” Schlepp was an accomplished high school wrestler in the state of Kansas who has used a redshirt and a ‘COVID exemption.’ Walford is a rock at left guard who “tries to be grumpy but you know he’s not.” Anderson is the “brains of the operation,” Carpenter (undersized but savvy) was a key transfer and a coach’s son while the 6-foot-6 Schlegel is the biggest of the bunch and someone who has developed that necessary mean streak. The staff’s confidence in the unit goes beyond the starting five.

Many of the key cogs were starters – or two-deep contributors – by 2022. At the time, the offense was just beginning to take strides towards becoming a strength of the team. The 2021 squad that went 7-3 was built on a defense that featured All-American linebacker Lane Napier. Three years later, Concordia is a well-balanced team with units that complement one another.

Says the Bruning, Neb., native and farm strong Schlegel of the progression, “There were some struggles (early) and then all of a sudden we all started to click. The last couple years we’ve had the same guys. It’s been nice to kind of develop as one. We all hang out and stuff in our off time. I think that helps out chemistry-wise. It’s just awesome what we’ve been able to accomplish. Without the D-line, Fehlhafer, Sterup and Polley, it wouldn’t happen – especially the scout guys too. They are the ones who help us get better every day.”

At right tackle, Schlegel has become “one of the most ferocious guys on the field,” according to Daberkow. The ferocity in the run game and the steadiness in pass protection has helped fuel the offense. Not only has the offense’s scoring skyrocketed, the line play has kept McGarvie clean in the pocket. Dating back to last season, Concordia has held its opponents without a sack in 10 of its last 11 games.

While McGarvie has pushed his all-time school passing records to 69 touchdowns and 7,923 yards, Arp ranks among the nation’s leading rushers with 696 yards and eight touchdowns on the season. The offensive line has shown the versatility to play smash mouth football and to operate in a spread attack that makes use of the talents on the outside of Jablonski, Adam Van Cleave and company.

The prospects of being part of something special in 2024 are why Schlepp made use of yet another year. Wins like the one at Northwestern make the grind worth it. Says Schlepp, “I am very blessed and happy that I decided to come back for a sixth season. I love the culture, environment and my teammates here at Concordia. For us to be able to be as successful as we have been so far this year is a true testament to our hard work these past few years. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my collegiate football career anywhere else.”

As Koch has worked to build up one of the better Concordia offensive lines in the GPAC era, the defensive staff that includes coordinator Corby Osten, position coach Ron Jackson and others has done the same on the other side of the ball. Of the six players on the defensive line two deep, five are seniors, including Polley and Sterup, in addition to Stephen Hughes, Reed McFadden and Tal Solo. Sterup and Polley have continued to rack up tackles in the backfield as Fehlhafer eats up blockers on the interior.

Said Daberkow, “Sterup and Polley get a lot of the stats. Carson takes on all the double and triple teams. I don’t think people realize how hard you have to work to have three sacks as a nose guard. It’s incredible, honestly. Then you have guys like Stephen Hughes, Reed McFadden and Joe Kahrs who have just put their time in and have owned their roles. They’ve been ready when their names were called. It’s just been fun to coach them.”

This past summer, Sterup made mention of the many times he and Schlegel have gone head-to-head in practice. If you can run it on this defensive line, you are likely to be able to run it on most anybody. Sterup and company have limited three of their first six opponents to 55 or fewer rushing yards. Only high-powered Dordt has run for more than 135 yards on the stout Bulldog defensive front.

This past Saturday might have been the group’s best effort yet. Northwestern All-American running back Konner McQuillan managed only 43 yards on 13 carries.

Sterup gives a lot of credit to Coach Jackson and added, “We have so much depth here. I came in with Tal and Devon. Us three were freshmen who would play with the varsity our freshman year. We didn’t have to really do scout. I’m extremely close with those two. We’ve built such a great culture for the defensive line. We had nine guys here this summer working three days a week out on the field. It’s a culture thing throughout the entire locker room. We’ll have 40 guys out here for seven-on-seven. That wasn’t a thing four years ago. This team has a different feeling than when I got here.”

The feeling of reaching the bye week at 4-2, fresh off the Northwestern one is a pretty good one. As Schlegel commented, “It was super exciting. It was great to see everyone share in such a good team win. Everyone had a smile on their face. It was a great atmosphere. The bus ride home was a different experience than I’ve ever had. It was so much fun.”

That being said, there are four games remaining in the regular season and Concordia can’t afford to get caught looking past anyone. After responding to early adversity this season, the Bulldogs now are tasked with responding to success. The coaching staff seems to be confident in what that response will look like.

“This group has been an absolute joy to coach and be around as they are extremely tight-knit,” Koch said. “They genuinely enjoy being around each other and have a lot of fun with each other. They are super receptive to feedback and have a ton of productive questions. Older guys have done a very good job of setting a standard and helping the younger guys as they transition into our program.”

As Daberkow added of the offensive and defensive line groups, “It’s been fun to see how the football program has affected them personally over the years and how they’ve affected the football program. It’s been cool.”

Concordia Football Wins over NAIA Top 15 Opponents, GPAC era

10/5/24 – Won at No. 2 Northwestern, 29-17 (away).

9/23/17 – Won vs. No. 7 Doane, 29-18 (home).

9/6/14 – Won at No. 15 Sterling, 21-15 (away).

10/13/12 – Won vs. No. 11 Northwestern, 17-16 (home).

9/4/03 – Won at No. 15 Doane, 21-17 (away).

11/17/01 – Won vs. No. 13 St. Ambrose, 31-26 (home); NAIA playoffs.

10/27/01 – Won at No. 14 Doane, 14-3 (away).

9/15/01 – Won at No. 8 Sioux Falls, 17-14 (away).

9/16/00 – Won vs. No. 7 Sioux Falls, 43-24 (home).

Coach Courtney Meyer Day declared for Saturday, Oct. 26

October 18, 2024

 Concordia University, Nebraska Athletics has declared Saturday, Oct. 26 Coach Courtney Meyer Day in conjunction with Bulldog Football versus Mount Marty on that date. Coach Meyer will retire from coaching football, effective at the conclusion of the 2024 season. The longest tenured head football coach in Concordia’s history, Meyer has devoted 54 years of his life as a servant leader through his vocation as football coach.

In honor of Coach Courtney Meyer, this special day is set for kickoff at 1 p.m. CST from Bulldog Stadium. All Concordia alumni, family and friends are invited to attend the game in celebration of Coach Meyer.

Meyer currently assists Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s staff while coaching the team’s specialists. Coach Meyer worked the sidelines as head coach from 1990 through 2008 before returning a year later to assist then Head Coach Vance Winter.

Said Meyer, “It’s the right time. There’s a time when you have to retire. I’m going to miss it. I’m really going to miss it. Patrick said, ‘Coach, you can come by whenever you want.’ I said, ‘I will probably take you up on it.’ I’m the one who’s been really blessed by being here. My wife Connie and I have been blessed immeasurably by what has taken place here.”

Added Meyer of his philosophy on running a football program, “We wanted to win on the scoreboard, but it was more important to emphasize the spiritual component and for the program to make a difference in your faith life. That hasn’t changed.”

Daberkow played for Meyer during the 2003 through 2006 seasons and considers Coach Meyer to be among the most influential mentors in his life. Said Daberkow, “The most impressive thing I can tell you about Coach Meyer is that he’s a man of prayer. He reminds me often that he prays for me every day. If you have someone like that in your corner, you’re a blessed person. Of all the things that I’ve taken from Coach Meyer over the years, he’s famous for having an incredibly positive outlook on everything. That’s not manufactured. He lives that out. I feel privileged to know him as well as I do.”

Said Director of Athletics Devin Smith, “Coach Meyer epitomizes all that is great about Bulldog Athletics! He is completely invested in Concordia University, Nebraska and the students and staff who have built this place up over the years. He stands tall through the toughest of times while joyfully and humbly celebrating when each of us thrives. Most importantly, Coach Meyer is a servant leader and a strong Christian mentor who authentically shares his humor and wisdom while consistently guiding us back to acknowledge God’s blessings we have received. I love his never-ending smile, prayers of thankfulness, and the tears that flow when he reflects and graciously conveys his love and appreciation for the people he has coached, led and worked alongside within Bulldog Nation.”

The coaching career of Meyer got started at the high school level following his graduation from Concordia in 1965. He was hired by Larry Oetting as Defensive Coordinator in 1977 and filled that role until leaving to take the head coaching position at Concordia College of Mequon, Wis., in 1984. Meyer led the Falcons to two conference championships before he made his return to Seward prior to the start of the 1990 season. The highpoint of Meyer’s head coaching tenure came in 2001 when he led the Bulldogs (10-2 overall record) to a GPAC championship and first ever NAIA playoff appearance. Meyer spent 19 seasons as the program’s head coach.

Beyond the results on the field, Meyer was the visionary behind the Concordia Football reunion that took place in 2016. He was also heavily involved in the implementation of the Concordia Athletics Hall of Fame, the Bulldog Golf Classic and the stadium renovation project that was completed prior to the start of the 1996 football season.

Courtney and his wife Connie have two sons, Caleb and Josh, and a daughter, Anna. Courtney and Connie have four grandchildren: Elliot, Blair, Junia and Peter.

McGarvie, Jablonski star in passing game, Arp runs for two scores in blowout of Doane

October 19, 2024

Two weeks after securing the program’s most significant win in more than two decades, the Concordia University, Nebraska Football team returned to action and flattened rival Doane while racking up 671 total yards. The Bulldogs took care of business on Saturday (Oct. 19), winning, 45-10, in Crete on the strength of four touchdown passes from quarterback DJ McGarvie and two touchdown rushes from Mark Arp. On their homecoming, the Tigers were shut out until the fourth quarter.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad moved to 5-2 (5-2 GPAC), marking the first time the program has won at least five of its first seven games of a season since 2015. Concordia is also 4-1 over the past five meetings with Doane.

“Any time you can get a win on the road against Doane, you’ll take it,” Daberkow said. “I was really pleased with the outcome. There were some things we need to clean up moving forward. We left some points out there. There were some things they were taking advantage of that we’ve got to close up, but overall I’m happy. It took us a while to get going, but I was really happy with Mark’s performance. That’s a credit to the o-line.”

It took less than a minute-and-a-half for Concordia to find the end zone. A fumble that was scooped up by corner Will Potratz and returned 25 yards set the Bulldogs up at the Doane 10. McGarvie promptly fired a 10-yard touchdown strike to Adam Van Cleave. Concordia proceeded to move the ball almost at will between the 20s. The only downsides were the penalties (nine on the Bulldogs and 12 on the Tigers) and two empty red zone trips.

However, it was a day for piling up gaudy statistics. McGarvie threw another touchdown toss to Van Cleave and one apiece to Austin Jablonski and Thomas Meadough (first as a Bulldog). McGarvie finished with 385 passing yards (eclipsing 8,000 for his career) while completing 25-of-45 attempts. The game breaking Jablonski hauled in 13 catches for 213 yards (the highest single game receiving total on record in program history) and Van Cleave made eight grabs for 112 yards and two scores. On the ground, Arp ran wild for 160 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. No. 2 back Carlos Collazo added 83 yards on 12 attempts.

While following a senior-laded offensive line, Arp has amassed 857 yards and 10 touchdowns through seven games. The latest effort came as Concordia inserted Brevin Damrow in at center (in place of Jackson Anderson, who was under the weather).

Said Arp, “None of that’s possible without the big guys up front. I don’t care who you are at running back, you have to have a good offensive line or else it’s not going to work. Big shoutout to those guys up front. We had a little bit of a mix of pass and run, and we have a 1-2 punch that’s really hard to stop. It’s been a lot of fun running behind those guys. I’m extremely blessed, for sure.”

After holding a fairly modest 17-0 halftime lead, the Bulldogs broke this one wide open by scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions of the second half. Those drives covered 64 yards on seven plays, 63 yards on seven plays and 53 yards on five plays, respectively. The first of those drives finished on McGarvie’s 29-yard touchdown whirl to Jablonski on a fourth-and-eight play. Concordia converted on three of four fourth-down tries in the contest.

Defensively, linebacker Grant Huss led the way with 13 tackles and a sack while big play safety Daylon Henson posted 10 tackles, including three for loss. Devon Polley also came up with three tackles for loss and a sack. Recently named the NAIA National Defensive Player of the Week, Carson Fehlhafer blocked a 49-yard field goal try in the opening quarter, keeping the score at 7-0 at the time. On special teams, Van Cleave added 55 return yards, Braxtyn Koch punted twice for an average of 45.0 yards per attempt and Petyon Atwood drilled a 26-yard field goal.

Doane (1-7, 1-6 GPAC) is in the process of attempting to build its program back up while under the direction of first-year Head Coach Jonathan Johnson. With almost no running game to lean on (19 net yards on 24 attempts), young quarterback Sam Hartman threw for 316 yards and a touchdown while completing 30-of-44 pass attempts. Zack Perez scored the one Tiger touchdown in what equaled Concordia’s most lopsided win in the 69 meetings of the all-time series.

For the most part, Daberkow saw what he wanted to other than not finishing on a couple of drives. Said Daberkow, “There are some things to clean up. It was kind of a funny game in that regard. Momentum was hard to keep because of some of those penalties … Thomas has come in and accepted a role on our team. He brings a lot to the table. I would highlight Max Bartels as well. Those are guys who are sticking with it and are great teammates. I think it’s a compliment to the brotherhood in the locker room how they own their roles and are ready when their number is called. It’s good to see success come their way.”

The Bulldogs will be at home for the first and only time in October when the ball is kicked off on Saturday (Oct. 26) at 1 p.m. CT. The opponent will be Mount Marty (4-3, 3-3 GPAC), a program Concordia has defeated in each of the first three series meetings. The Lancers had a bye this week. Concordia Athletics has declared Oct. 26 Coach Courtney Meyer Day in honor of Meyer’s service to the university. Effective at the end of this season, Meyer will retire from coaching football.

Jablonski hauls in GPAC Offensive Player of the Week award

October 21, 2024

 A record-setting day for Concordia University senior Austin Jablonski resulted in recognition. On Monday (Oct. 21), the league office announced Jablonski as the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Offensive Player of the Week. Jablonski has earned the second GPAC weekly award of his career. As a team, Bulldog Football has accumulated four GPAC Player of the Week awards in 2024.

As part of last week’s 45-10 win at Doane, Jablonski totaled 13 receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown. The 213 receiving yards represented a program record for a single game, surpassing the previous standard of 193 achieved in 2019 by Cayden Beran and in 1988 by Clarence Woods. The 13 catches were just shy of Jablonski’s career best of 15 receptions from the 2023 game versus Dakota Wesleyan. On the season, the Lincoln Pius X High School alum has amassed 56 catches for 785 yards and seven touchdowns, ranking second among GPAC players in each of those categories.

On Concordia’s all-time receiving lists, Jablonski ranks second in receptions (183), fourth in receiving yards (2,402) and fourth in receiving touchdowns (18). Jablonski was named an NAIA First Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association in 2023 after setting a new school record for receiving yards in a season (1,134).

Jablonski and the Bulldogs (5-2, 5-2 GPAC) will return to action on Saturday when they are slated to host Mount Marty (4-3, 3-3 GPAC) at 1 p.m. CT.

Mr. Concordia: Coach Meyer's legacy of loving Jesus, family and Bulldog Football

October 24, 2024

It’s two days prior to the 2024 Concordia football team’s trip to No. 2 Northwestern. In the middle of reflecting upon a coaching career that has stretched back more than five decades, Coach Courtney Meyer shifts his thoughts to that weekend’s game, one most outsiders expect to be won handily by the Red Raiders. Meyer exudes the same passion he did in his 20s and 30s. Says Meyer in lowering his voice to a whisper, as if to ensure no one else can hear him, “I want to beat these guys. I really get fired up about playing Northwestern.”

Ever the optimist, Meyer goes on to discuss high hopes for a team that he believes is the best Concordia group in the last 20 years of the program. Meyer would know. His scope of Bulldog football dates all the way back to the 1960s when he played for then Head Coach Ralph Starenko. At one point in the conversation, Meyer offers, “Where does the time go? All the sudden you’re 81 years old.”

It’s been 16 years since Meyer stepped down and resigned his post as head coach of the program. Just a year after his initial “retirement,” Meyer returned to the sidelines as an assistant under one of the many coaches he mentored, Vance Winter. The extension of Meyer’s career on the sidelines for the place he holds near and dear has brought him joy that is obvious to those around him. After contemplation and prayer, Meyer knows the time is right to put the coaching vocation aside for good. In the week leading up to the win at Doane, Meyer made it known to the current players.

And so ends another chapter for “Mr. Concordia,” as Meyer was dubbed by longtime athletic equipment manager and do-it-all extraordinaire Stan Schlueter. As he comes to grips with this new reality, Meyer explains the decision in a manner seemingly meant to reassure himself. He wants to take care of his own health and give more time to his wife Connie. Though his football coaching career may be ending, Meyer’s love for Jesus, family and Bulldog Football is eternal.

The Beginnings

Courtney Meyer was born in 1943 to Alvin and Paula Meyer and spent his childhood in Frohna, Missouri, situated more than 550 miles from Seward, Nebraska. Courtney was the second of five Meyer children that grew up in Perryville County, located on the Illinois border. As a youngster, Courtney took an early interest in sports but was also heavily involved in music. In the seventh grade, Courtney dealt with a bout of polio that he says negated some of his running speed.

Courtney recovered and resumed pursuit of his passions. The school yearbook from Perryville High School in 1961 includes a photo of Courtney in his band uniform. It wasn’t until his senior year of high school that he went out for the football team. That isn’t to say he wasn’t interested in sports. Courtney’s best sport athletically was actually baseball. His college career was set in motion when a member of his church in Frohna discussed Courtney’s talents with the baseball coach at St. John’s Lutheran College in Winfield, Kansas. That seemed like a sign for Courtney.

Courtney still remembers the day his parents left him off in Winfield. As Courtney recalled, “My parents took me out to Winfield, and I hadn’t even been accepted yet. When I got out there, they asked me what program I was in. I said, ‘Well, what programs are there?’ They told me and I said, 'I think I want to be a teacher.’ So I got into the education program. I didn’t know a soul. My dad dropped me off in a ’50 Chevy and I had all my stuff right there. He took off. I’ll never forget seeing the old ’50 Chevy going around the corner.”

When his two years were up at St. John’s, Courtney had another move to make. According to Courtney, his two options were Concordia River Forest and Concordia Seward. The smalltown boy wasn’t much for the big city. He opted for Seward over Chicago after writing a letter to then Head Football Coach Ralph Starenko. Concordia Teachers College wasn’t about to turn anyone down. As Starenko told Courtney, “You can stay as long as you like. We don’t cut anybody.”

There would be no reason to cut Courtney, who excelled in football and baseball and was named Concordia’s Senior Athlete of the Year for the 1964-65 academic year. On the football field, he donned the No. 24 and played for teams that went a combined 11-7. He spent one season playing for Starenko before future College Football Hall of Famer Ron Harms took over in 1964. Harms himself felt enough of Concordia that he referred to it as an “atmosphere you’re not going to find anyplace else.”

On the diamond, Courtney starred as a successful pitcher. As he would say, “Baseball was my best sport, but I wanted to coach football. I loved football.” Those two years as a Bulldog flew by and it was again time for Courtney to move on. As he said of those two formative years, “I was enjoying myself a lot. Next thing you know you’re a senior.”

The education at St. John’s and Concordia helped prepare Courtney for his own career in coaching and teaching. The journey ahead would lead to places such as Martin Luther High School in Maspeth, New York, Long Island Lutheran High School (New York) and Lutheran High School in in Mayer, Minnesota. Meyer also continued his education by earning his master’s at Southeast Missouri State University. Inspired by a coaching clinic put on by famed University of Indiana Head Coach Bob Knight, Courtney even led the girls’ basketball team in Mayer to a state championship game appearance.

Following his time in Mayer, Meyer had the opportunity to return to Seward, 12 years after his college graduation. Courtney was building a résumé that would one day make him a prime head coaching candidate.

The road back to Seward and Coach Meyer’s conundrum

When the John “Sid” Seevers head coaching tenure concluded with the 1976 season, Concordia tabbed another alum in Larry Oetting as its new football coach. In putting together his first staff, Oetting appointed Meyer as his Defensive Coordinator. As Oetting said, “I was able to hire an outstanding staff with Courtney, Dean Vieselmeyer and Sid continuing on. We felt like football could come back strong. As God blessed us, it did.”

Oetting and his staff pushed Concordia back to the top of the Nebraska Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings. The tenacious defense of 1981, coordinated by Meyer, held opponents to just 8.8 points per game as the Bulldogs went 9-1, won the conference championship and finished with an NAIA national ranking of 12th. From 1981 through 1983, the program went a combined 23-7 behind hard-nosed defenses.

Years prior to that 1983 season, Courtney had found the woman he would soon ask to marry him. Their relationship would be tested when Concordia College of Mequon, Wisconsin, showed interest in Courtney. The sister school eventually came calling with an offer for Meyer to become the program’s head coach. Meyer mulled it over and discussed the offer with friends like Stan Schlueter. As Schlueter recalled of their conversation, “He was really torn about going. I said, ‘Hey, it’s an opportunity. Your heart’s still here. You’re not abandoning us.’ That’s how bad he felt about taking the job. It was a great opportunity for him to go up there and be the head coach.”

Admitted Courtney, “I didn’t want to go because I wanted to coach here. I went to Larry and asked him how long he was going to keep coaching. He said, ‘I don’t know.’ We were doing well. We were winning. He was doing a great job. I thought maybe it was something that won’t happen for me, but God has a plan. The plan was that I would come back here again.”

Courtney and Connie Kirchner wed in the summer of 1983 and Courtney soon whisked off to Wisconsin while his new bride stayed back. Ultimately, the opportunity to become a college head coach for the first time was too much for Courtney to pass up. No doubt he prayed on it for an extended period of time. In following God’s plan, Courtney spent the ’84 through ’89 seasons leading the Falcons, then an NAIA member like the Bulldogs. Said Courtney, “What I learned there was confidence that I could coach.”

Courtney surrounded himself with a strong staff that included Keith Collins and Jeff Gabrielsen. Meyer’s teams went a combined 35-19 and won conference championships in 1988 and 1989. Meyer twice put his Concordia Mequon teams up against the Bulldogs and came away with wins by scores of 24-21 in 1988 and 41-6 in 1989. The latter meeting took place in Seward as Meyer made a triumphant homecoming. There was no part of Courtney that wanted to gloat as he watched his alma mater finish at 1-8.

After 13 seasons as head coach, Oetting stepped aside and focused on his ministry as a pastor. He also ran a successful detasseling business. Oetting won 63 games with 1981 remaining the hallmark season.

Another offer was about to come Courtney’s way. This time, the decision wouldn’t be so difficult. Before Courtney had a final decision, his father-in-law told him he was glad to have him back in Nebraska. He already knew what the answer was going to be. Indeed, Courtney was coming home.

Answering the call

It was April of 1990 when Courtney Meyer was officially introduced as the Head Football Coach at his alma mater. Courtney and his wife Connie found ways to make their family lives work during the six-year tenure in Mequon. They had become parents and now could bring the entire family together on a daily basis in Seward. As Meyer said at the time, “I am a Bulldog at heart. That’s why this is so meaningful to me. My wife and I both have a great love for Seward. I enjoyed being part of the program before, and I’m looking forward to being part of it again.”

To be truthful, the college’s overall commitment to football had waned. Under Oetting, Concordia slipped from 6-4 in 1987 to 3-6 in ’88 and to 1-8 in ’89. To succeed as the head football coach, you had to do it on a shoestring budget with limited scholarship offerings, below standard facilities and with minimal funds earmarked for hiring assistant coaches. Meyer can honestly say that he didn’t know quite the situation he was walking into.

In a stretch from 1993 through 1996, the Bulldogs won a total of one NIAC conference game. To this day Meyer looks back and wonders aloud, “Are you kidding me? One conference win in four years.” Despite the results, Meyer’s positive attitude never wavered. Not even for a minute. In terms of the on-field results, better days were ahead.

Besides, memories of the wins and losses fade over time. What Meyer never failed to succeed in doing was bringing a group of men closer to together and closer in their faith. The 1990s era players gained a great deal from their experiences of being mentored by Meyer and his staff. An NAIA Honorable Mention All-American offensive lineman in 1996, Ed McLaughlin credits Meyer with changing the entire course of his life.

Says McLaughlin, “I owe so much to him. Without him, I’m not at Concordia. I don’t have the job I have right now. I don’t meet my wife. I don’t have my kids. If God doesn’t put Courtney at Seward High in March of my senior year, I’m not sitting here talking right now. I have no idea where I’d be. Courtney is the reason I’m at Concordia. I appreciate everything he did for me. I think he’s a great guy.”

McLaughlin happened to be playing at right guard for one of the most memorable wins of the 1990s for Concordia. On November 4, 1995, the Bulldogs shocked 14th-ranked Hastings (7-0-1 at the time), 28-27, in Seward. Concordia rallied back from a 14-0 deficit to win as Nathan Robbins picked off two passes, Mike Hoernemann made 17 tackles and blocked an extra point and Jeremy Geidel ran for 96 yards and a touchdown. As McLaughlin said, “We didn’t win a lot, but Coach Meyer always made sure that he did everything he could to be successful. We had a great group of guys.”

No one questioned Coach Meyer’s ability to positively lead a group of young men, but the pressure was mounting as the string of losing seasons continued into the latter part of the 1990s. Then school president Orville Walz began asking questions. A winning football program brings value to an entire university, and that sentiment wasn’t lost on Walz. Whether outsiders knew it or not, Meyer’s seat was feeling warmer in 1997. Things were going to have to change.

At the approval of Walz, Concordia brought in Dr. Ted Kessinger, a wildly successful head coach at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan., to conduct a thorough evaluation of the football program. The findings from Kessinger turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened for Bulldog Football. Kessinger was not surprised that the football program was struggling when he saw facts like Concordia’s average football scholarship ($1,725) and lack of staffing dedicated to recruiting. Meyer needed additional staff and resources, or the results were unlikely to change.

Kessinger supported Meyer in writing, “It is with significant depth of conviction that I state and believe that it is the Lord’s will that Courtney be the head coach. This statement is substantiated by the overall comments of those interviewed. I have no question of his expertise in football, his passion to minister his players, his abilities and knowledge necessary to be a winning coach on and off the field, his organizational and motivational skills and his sensitivity to be an exceptional recruiter. These points are also substantiated by his successes at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin.”

Kessinger’s report confirmed what Meyer had believed. Walz and the administration took the findings to heart and added a full-time staff member and altered the scholarship model. Said Meyer, “I wish I would have handled things differently when I first came here and addressed all the concerns we had before the president came and said, ‘You’re not getting the job done.’ I agreed. I had to do different things. It worked okay. God has a plan. I was blessed beyond measure and supported by Connie all those years.”

After the Bulldogs went 1-9 in 1997, Walz gave Meyer an ultimatum. The ’98 team had to win at least three games or Meyer would be replaced. That squad opened the year at 2-5 before closing it out with back-to-back victories, bringing the final record to 4-5. Little did anyone realize just how much the changes were about to pay off. Bill McAllister had been tabbed as the new offensive coordinator and lead recruiter while Tim Preuss remained the defensive coordinator.

McAllister went to work on implementing a new offense – the Wing T – that could mask some of the size disadvantages the Bulldogs had at the time. Some other Great Plains Athletic Conference coaches even poked fun at McAllister’s offense. But the 1985 Midland Lutheran College graduate compiled a record of 54-29 during nine seasons as a Nebraska high school football head coach, proving his system worked. One GPAC coach prodded, “When are you going to quit running that high school offense?” McAllister’s response: “When you can stop it.”

That ‘high school offense’ helped carry the highly acclaimed 2001 team to a GPAC championship, NAIA playoff quarterfinal advancement and final NAIA ranking of No. 7. Meyer was recognized as the GPAC and AFCA Region Coach of the Year while four Bulldogs were named to the conference’s first team: kicker Jess Boyd, linebacker Erik DeHaven, safety Sean Stewart and tight end Ross Wurdeman. Second Team All-GPAC honors went to running back Alex Alvarez, offensive lineman Wes Amberger, receiver Regan Else, defensive back Troy Schlueter, defensive lineman David Schmidt and running back Darin Suckstorf.

“I had always been part of winning programs,” said quarterback Jarrod Pimentel in recalling his first season as a Bulldog. “This was the first time I was on a team that struggled. We started out really bad (in 1998). I remember calling my mom and dad and saying, ‘Hey, I’m not used to losing.’ There were about 15 to 20 of us that made a pact that we were going to stay together and work our butts off to try to win a championship.” Winning really was all Pimentel knew. He lost just once his entire high school career. The coaches appreciated Pimentel’s trust in the program. Said Preuss, “I have really fond memories of the players. We had guys like Pimentel who were so committed. That’s what helped us turn things around.”

The turnaround orchestrated by Meyer and his staff brought winning back to Concordia Football in the 21st century. Meyer’s tenure continued as the Bulldogs finished .500 or better each year from 1999 through 2004. Kessinger’s report helped lead to Meyer becoming the GPAC’s dean of coaches in what ultimately finished as a 19-year head coaching tenure. Those two decades provided Meyer ample opportunity to impact lives and to keep his players smiling with his memorable one-liners and phrases.

Coach Meyer-isms

Whether you played for Coach Meyer in 1990 or 2008, you probably remember some of his same favored lines. Let’s call them ‘Coach Meyer-isms,’ sometimes akin to the types of things New York Yankees Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra used to say.

Everyone who came through the program came to know Meyer for words and phrases such as:

·        DWR – “Do What’s Right.”

·        “Big Red” in reference to the sun coming up during early morning practices.

·        “Skin is waterproof” when it started to rain.

·        “It’s a great day for football!”

·        “Birthdays are a good thing. The more you have, the longer you live.”

·        The “Double Win” – winning on the scoreboard and winning as a believer in Christ.

In addition, Coach Meyer would not let a postgame locker room gathering pass without the team singing, in unison, “The Doxology.” As former Bulldog Gerrod Lambrecht said, “Sometimes when I see it on social media, it still almost brings me to tears.” The song was belted out during the Larry Oetting era, and Coach Meyer wasn’t going to be the one to let the tradition die off. A new tradition also got started during Meyer’s tenure when the likes of Chuck Brewer and Sean Stewart first “walked the dog.” No postgame celebration would be complete without The Doxology or Walk the Dog.

Select people have been fortunate enough to be invited over to the Meyer household for gritzelwurst, a type of German sausage. Current Head Coach Patrick Daberkow and the rest of the staff have been treated to this delicacy on multiple occasions. For those who are even more fortunate, Coach Meyer might even break out the guitar and sing, putting to use what he learned in those days in the band at Perryville High School. In a lighter moment, Meyer once barked like a dog in response to a game plan he was fired up about for an upcoming game with Hastings.

Says Daberkow, “Not many people know how good he is at guitar with Johnny Cash songs. Him and Connie will have our staff over for breakfast and he breaks out the guitar and he just sings Johny Cash songs for us. It’s awesome.”

Beyond the catch phrases, Meyer is overwhelmingly optimistic and upbeat. That outlook has never changed no matter the circumstances. As former quarterback Jarrod Pimentel said, “He was a very energetic, positive man. He would rub that off on you. It didn’t matter how bad or good things were going, he was always very positive. That’s why I really respect the man a lot.”

Whether surrounded by players, family or community members, Coach Meyer has always been the exact same jovial person. If ever someone says they “have to” go do something. Coach Meyer will quickly correct them and say, “No, you get do it,” as if to tell that person that everything in life is a privilege. As his son Josh says, “He is just a very positive person. What you see is what you get. He would get frustrated sometimes, and he would just say, “Gosh!” That’s how you know when Coach Meyer is mad. He’ll just say, “Gosh!” There’s no swearing.”

When dropping his kids off at school, Coach Meyer would leave them with the words, “Be kind and loving.” He also likes to say that “attitude determines altitude.” Either dwell on your failures or move forward with a positive attitude. Coach Meyer always chooses the latter.

Walking away – for real this time

Still in the midst of year 19 as head coach of the Bulldogs, Coach Meyer made his decision public. As a headline in the Lincoln Journal Star read on Oct. 22, 2008: “Longtime Bulldogs coach set to retire.” Meyer told reporter Ken Hambleton, “I hope that we provided a greater good than the scoreboard. I have worked with a lot of great young men and helped them in football and in their love of Jesus Christ.”

At the time, Meyer hung up his post unaware that he would soon be back on the sidelines. In December 2008, then Athletic Director Grant Schmidt and Concordia University announced Vance Winter as Meyer’s successor. Winter had spent the previous four years working under Meyer on the staff. Roughly a year later, Winter came calling when he needed help from someone local. Meyer jumped at the chance to work as an assistant in his “retirement.” Since then, Meyer has served various roles while coaching running backs and special teams.

The unexpected opportunity has carried Meyer into his 80s, though you’d never guess his age based on his unchanged passion and enthusiasm for coaching. Ed McLaughlin recalls bumping into Meyer shortly after he had agreed to help Winter roughly 15 years ago. Said McLaughlin, “I walked out to practice, and I was like, ‘What are you doing?’ He was like, 'I got the playbook. They asked me to help coach.’ He was as fired up to do that as he was to be the head coach. He was sitting on the hill watching the offense and the defense. There was a light in his eye. The man just loves football. On top of that, he loves Concordia.”

As the years have gone by, Coach Meyer has had to wrestle with the idea of when to walk away more permanently. The options, in Meyer’s mind, were to be all in or to be all out. As Patrick Daberkow says of Meyer’s involvement with the program, “He’s at everything. He wants to be as involved as he can be, and he has been. It’s in his blood. I think he’s done as good as a guy can do balancing family with it. He modeled that for me when he was a head coach here. There are some coaches who really want to encourage their staff to guard their desk. He never was that way. I really respect that about him. He has values outside of just football.”

Daberkow understands how hard it will be for Meyer to step away, even though he says of Meyer, “He’s still got it.” Finally, the time came for an official announcement to be made. The Concordia Football team learned of Meyer’s decision the week of the Doane game. The 2024 season will be Meyer’s last as an official member of the coaching staff, marking the end of an era.

“It’s the right time,” Meyer said. “It’s just harder to do things than it used to be. There’s a time you have to retire. I’m going to miss it. I’m really going to miss it. Patrick said, ‘Coach, you can come by whenever you want.’ I said, ‘I will probably take you up on it.”

So what will you do now, Coach Meyer? “I talked to Ted Kessinger today and his advice was: ‘find something to do.’ That’s what I’m going to do. I want to look into some mentorship opportunities. I have a great interest in visiting nursing homes. I do that now and visit people in nursing homes. You have to keep busy. That’s what I’m praying about. We’ll see what happens.”

Legacy of service

On a late October Tuesday, Coach Meyer struggles to fight back tears. As part of the weekly Bulldog Athletic Association Member luncheon, with Meyer in attendance, Patrick Daberkow discussed what his former coach has meant to him all these years. Daberkow detailed how in 2020, amidst the height of COVID-19 fears and racial tensions within the United States, Coach Meyer helped him find the proper perspective. Daberkow made a visit to Meyer’s house at that time and was blown away by Meyer’s lengthy hand-scrawled list of people and things he was praying for. Daberkow’s name was on that list.

Rest assured, if you played for Meyer, he thinks about you. It’s possible it may take him a moment to recall your name, but he’ll recognize the face. Really, all you have to do is tell him that you have some sort of connection to Concordia University, Nebraska, and his eyes will light up. As Meyer says, “What’s rewarding now for me is to see and hear about guys who I used to coach and what they’re doing now and how they are raising families.”

In response to a Facebook post on Oct. 18, 2024, that informed the public of the upcoming Coach Courtney Meyer Day, many former players and alums shared stories about Coach Meyer. One of them was Glen Snodgrass, who went on to become a successful high school football coach and educator. Wrote Snodgrass, “Every time Coach Meyer talks to you, he makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world to him. As a player I learned a lot from Coach Meyer about relationship building and treating each player as if they were a unique and important part of the team. His genuine care for each player is what stuck out the most to me, but also the amazing example he set for all of us as a great Christian man of integrity. I loved playing for coach Meyer.”

Somehow, Coach Meyer finds the time and the space within his heart for a seemingly infinite number of people. As Meyer took on the head coaching role for the Bulldogs, he and Connie raised three children, Caleb, Josh and Anna. Both Josh and Anna went on to become CUNE graduates and were runners on the cross country and track teams.

Growing up, the Meyer children understood they were sharing their dad with dozens of other young people. As Josh Meyer says, “He saw it as a calling and a mission to have an impact on the lives of his players.” And yet, Coach Meyer made sure to stay mentally present in the moment with his family. He didn’t treat his children any differently, whether the Bulldogs had just won or lost. When he could, Meyer would take his children along for happenings such as coaching clinics or even recruiting calls made in the basement of Weller Hall. Sometimes Josh would read a book as Meyer went through his rolodex of index cards with names and phone numbers.

For Caleb, Josh and Anna, you couldn’t help but be identified as the son or daughter of Coach Meyer. Said Josh, “It’s always been part of my identity, being Coach Meyer’s son. There’s a reputation that follows him in Seward and everywhere in the community and beyond. Any time I’d meet people who would see Concordia gear would ask my connection, they would know Coach Meyer. People know more about me because they know him.”

Seemingly everyone who was coached by Meyer or who has coached alongside him has an anecdote that reflects his larger impact. If you only talked about Coach Meyer from a football perspective, you missed what’s truly important to those who know him best. Vance Winter is one of those coaches who owes a debt of gratitude to Meyer. As Winter said back in 2016, “Coach Meyer has been one of the most influential people in my coaching career. He made coaching more than statistics or wins and losses. He is such a relational guy in terms of how he built a family and developed character. Coach Meyer’s influence on me has been more than probably anybody.”

Winter went on to marvel at how connected Coach Meyer is within the coaching profession. As an active member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Meyer made acquaintances with such well-known coaches as Bobby Bowden and Fisher DeBerry. As Winter also stated of Meyer, “He’s an unbelievable man.”

It’s true that within the coaching fraternity, Coach Meyer has always been held in high regard. When Meyer announced his resignation from the head coaching position, fellow GPAC coaches chimed in. As Nebraska Wesleyan coach Brian Keller remarked, “Courtney has been a great spokesman for the NAIA and for Great Plains Athletic Conference football. He is the closest friend I have in our conference, and I have always enjoyed his company and appreciate the work he does.” Former Hastings coach Paul Mierkiewicz added, “Coach Meyer has done a lot for Concordia and the GPAC. He’s an outstanding man and a very good football coach.” Concordia’s own Dr. Kregg Einspahr, an astoundingly accomplished cross country and track athlete and coach, even stated, “I leaned on Coach Meyer quite a bit,” during his own career.

There are certainly tangible items that also reflect positively on Coach Meyer’s Concordia career. He played an instrumental role in the implementation of the Concordia Athletics Hall of Fame and the annual Bulldog Golf Classic and was part of the committee that made the stadium project (press box and track) come to fruition (completed ahead of the 1996 season). It was also Coach Meyer’s vision that resulted in the Concordia Football Reunion of 2016 when past coaches and alums from many eras gathered to share their love of Bulldog Football and all things Concordia.

The years of contributions and lives impacted inspired Stan Schlueter to refer to Coach Meyer as “Mr. Concordia.” Coach Meyer may scoff at such recognition, but it fits. Says Meyer of that moniker, “I don’t know about that. That’s just because I’ve been around a long time.”

There would likely be no argument from Patrick Daberkow, who smiles widely when asked to recall stories of Coach Meyer. Said Daberkow, “The most impressive thing I can tell you about Coach Meyer is that he’s a man of prayer. He reminds me often that he prays for me every day. If you have someone like that in your corner, you’re a blessed person. Of all the things that I’ve taken from Coach Meyer over the years, he’s famous for having an incredibly positive outlook on everything. That’s not manufactured. He lives that out. I’ve seen him in low moments after losses and I’ve seen him after victories. His personality stays the same.”

Says Josh Meyer, “Over his many years, Dad recruited a lot of people to Concordia. It makes me feel really proud to try to continue his legacy and the positive lessons that he has instilled. He’s definitely shaped who I am. To think of his impact on other people just makes me really proud. The same guy I know is the Coach Meyer that people know. I’m still trying to live up to the values that he instilled in me.”

While others count their blessings for their interactions with him, Coach Meyer attempts to deflect the praise. Fifty-nine years have passed since Meyer completed his Concordia Teachers College education. The young man from Perryville found his calling in Nebraska.

No one knows where the time has gone. Though it may have passed quickly, Mr. Concordia can look back with fulfilment in saying, “I’m the one who’s been really blessed by being here. We have been blessed immeasurably by what has taken place here.”

Dawgs move to 6-2 at close of tension-filled hair-raiser

October 26, 2024

 It wasn’t for the faint of heart. Not until Rugby Ryken’s fourth-down pass hit the turf in the final seconds could Bulldog Stadium let out a collective sigh of relief – and then a roar of jubilation. For the first time since the 2013 season, Concordia University, Nebraska Football stands at 6-2. Both sides surpassed 400 total yards in what amounted to a 31-27 hair-raising Bulldog win over visiting Mount Marty on Saturday (Oct. 26) afternoon. Ultimately, Coach Courtney Meyer signaled victory with a ringing of the bell.

Each of the Bulldogs’ first five wins this season came by margins of 12 points or more. However, this one was a nail-biter all the way through. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow joked later that the tension was nearly enough to make his wife Emly ill.

“I’m just grateful to get out of there with a win,” Daberkow said. “We have to make sure that we always keep an even keel. I thought we dealt with a lot of stuff today. We put ourselves in some situations that weren’t ideal with turnovers and not being able to get off the field. At the end of the day, that was a very good football team. Hats off to Mount Marty for doing a great job. That’s a tough team to beat. They took Dordt down to the wire. There are no easy wins in this conference. That was demonstrated today.”

Concordia found a way to get the win it had to have to keep its NAIA playoff hopes alive while overcoming a pair of fumbles lost and a massive disadvantage in time of possession (37:24 to 22:36). The second half turned into a low possession grinder after the Lancers opened it with a 14-play, 57-yard drive that chewed 9:24 off the clock and ended with a Jack Finder 35-yard field goal. Trailing 27-24 at the time, the Bulldogs responded with an 11-play, 68-yard touchdown drive on their only possession of the third quarter. The eight-yard scoring strike from DJ McGarvie to Max Bartels with 2:00 left in the third period capped the day’s scoring.

It was hold onto your seat from that point forward. The Lancers never punted in the second half (only three combined punts all day) but came up empty on their final three drives. The first resulted in a 34-yard field goal attempt blocked by Nick Leader, the next one ended on an interception by linebacker Grant Huss and the final one spanned 13 plays as Mount Marty marched to Concordia’s 16. Under heavy fire on fourth and 11, Ryken tossed up a prayer that fell incomplete. A holding penalty on that final series played a role in putting the Lancers behind the sticks.

Said Huss of that final defensive stand, “This is who we are as a team. We fight until the very end. These are the moments that our defense lives for. We have our offense’s back and vice-versa. As we say, we put the ball down and just play. We got it done.”

Both offenses averaged 6.0 or more yards per play in a game that was nothing if not entertaining. Early on, the Bulldogs appeared poised for another runaway victory. The game’s opening possession ended with Mark Arp finding the end zone from one yard out, completing a 17-play, 75-yard drive. By the end of the first quarter, Concordia had built a 14-3 lead after McGarvie found John Goodwin for a 14-yard touchdown connection.

The Lincoln North Star High School alum McGarvie keeps adding to his collection of school records. He broke another one on Saturday by running his season touchdown pass total to 22 (one better than the previous record held by Von Thomas). McGarvie delivered a 50-yard touchdown strike to Adam Van Cleave in the middle of the second quarter and finished his day by going 26-of-35 for 244 yards and three scores.

Afterwards, McGarvie was much more excited to talk about the win than his own personal accomplishments. Said the fourth-year starter, “It’s easy throwing to those wide receivers with a great o-line. I just have to get the ball in the air and one of them will come down with it. I love those guys.” Added McGarvie of winning on a day that included a celebration of Coach Meyer, “We have so much respect for him. He’s put in so many years for this program. We do everything for him this year.”

Another player enjoying a big offensive season, Arp ran for 183 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries and became the seventh player in program history to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards for a season (now at 1,040). As part of another strong day offensively, Van Cleave made nine receptions for 82 yards while Austin Jablonski hauled in six passes for 41 yards. Seven different Bulldogs caught at least one pass, including tight end Daylan Russell, who made a key 25-yard snag to convert a fourth down.

On the other side, Mount Marty (4-4, 3-4 GPAC) got 245 passing yards and three touchdowns from Ryken. Running back Kyle Hirsch carried the ball 25 times for 139 yards against a normally stout Concordia rush defense. Three different Lancers each caught a touchdown pass. Now in its fourth year of football, Mount Marty has already set a new school standard for wins in a season.

Mount Marty managed to stay on the field offensively despite another big effort from Kyle Sterup, who notched 10 tackles, including four for loss, heading the Bulldog defense. Devon Polley also recorded eight tackles (two in the backfield) and was credited with three quarterback hurries. In the secondary, Daylon Henson plucked his fifth interception of the season and Luke Penrod broke up two passes. In addition, Huss chipped in with seven tackles and Carson Fehlhafer had six.

Said Daberkow, “We finally figured out how to get to the quarterback. I thought it was a really good job continuing to battle through. It was just a weird game. We dealt with a lot of interesting situations with penalties. There was just some funky stuff that happened today. We had to stay the course and keep and even keel. I was proud of our guys for doing that.”

Next Saturday (Nov. 2) will mark Concordia’s home regular season finale. The Bulldogs will honor their senior class while welcoming Hastings (2-7, 2-6 GPAC) to town for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff in Seward. In this week’s action, the Broncos were blown at home, 40-3, by Doane. Concordia won last season’s meeting by a 44-23 score in Hastings.

Resilient Dawgs overcome turnovers, celebrate senior day win

November 2, 2024

An uncharacteristically sloppy performance in the turnover department kept Hastings close for a half, but the Concordia University, Nebraska Football team seized control with the help of a strong defensive performance. The high-powered Bulldogs easily overcome their five turnovers while pummeling visiting Hastings, 42-6, on senior day Saturday (Nov. 2) at Bulldog Stadium. DJ McGarvie threw for four touchdowns, Carlos Collazo rushed for two and Kyle Sterup wreaked havoc in the Bronco backfield.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad has moved to 7-2 (7-2 GPAC) with one game remaining in the regular season. Not since 2001 has a Concordia Football team won at least seven of its first nine games of a season.

“We’ll take it. That’s kind of the approach that we’ll have,” Daberkow said. "I think we can play a lot better. We can play a lot cleaner. We’ll be looking to fix some things over the bye week now. Our ball security’s got to get better. We have to watch film and see what some of the issues are. We have to take care of it – that’s the No. 1 thing.”

Due to four first-half turnovers (two lost fumbles and two interceptions), the Bulldogs had only 21 points to show for their 346 total yards over the game’s opening 30 minutes. The ensuing Hastings first-half possessions following those miscues went interception, punt, touchdown, punt. The lone Bronco score came after a fumble set Hastings up with a first and goal at the Concordia 5. As part of the effort, the Bulldog defense held Hastings to 4-for-17 on third downs and came up with seven sacks.

Sterup and his fellow defensive line mates ate well at the line of scrimmage. Sterup notched seven tackles (three for loss) and two sacks while Devon Polley registered 2.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries and Carson Fehlhafer added a sack. An interception apiece came from safety Luke Penrod and linebacker Nick Leader. Late in the third quarter, Leader scooped up a fumble and returned it 22 yards to set up a Carlos Collazo touchdown. Hastings (2-8, 2-7 GPAC) had three of its own turnovers and managed a modest 303 total yards.

Said Daberkow, “We have a saying, ‘put the ball down.’ Coach (Corby) Osten had it put across the blue jerseys at practice. That’s got to be the mentality. It doesn’t matter where it’s at or how it got there, put the ball down and it doesn’t get to go any farther. That’s the mentality we have as a defense. I thought they did a good job of responding to the challenges that were put in front of them.”

When it secured the ball, Concordia had little trouble marching up and down the field. DJ McGarvie weathered three interceptions and piled up 326 passing yards and four touchdown tosses (80 for his career). His touchdown throws covered 67 yards and 42 yards, respectively, to All-American Austin Jablonski, 30 yards to tight end Daylan Russell and two yards to receiver Adam Van Cleave. Collazo also bruised his way to touchdown rushes of 13 and two yards.

The likes of McGarvie, Jablonski, Polley and Sterup are make up part of the 29-member senior class that was honored prior to kickoff. Each of them have made contributions in different ways while building momentum that has resulted in a season that may end up as the program’s best in more than two decades. During the pregame ceremony, each of the seniors were presented with tool belts.

Said Sterup, “It’s an unbelievably talented group. It’s a historic group. I can’t say enough about the seniors. It’s been a great run. It’s not over of course, but there has been a lot of reflection for all of us … It definitely hit before the game. You just get overcome with that emotion, but you have to suppress it and play the game.”

Linebacker Michael Grindey was also honored prior to kickoff. He accumulated eight tackles on Saturday and moved past 250 for his career. Also noteworthy, senior Stephen Hughes produced a sack and so too did Deegan Barnes. Hastings wound up with a mere 71 net rushing yards on 37 attempts. Bronco quarterback Cassius Campbell completed 21-of-42 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown.

The game breaking Jablonski finished with eight receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He pushed his receiving yards totals to 1,010 for the season and 2,627 for his career (now No. 2 in program history). Jablonski needs three more catches to reach 200 for his career. Meanwhile, running back Mark Arp has rushed for 1,098 yards on the season after picking up 58 on Saturday. In another solid performance, Van Cleave made six grabs for 71 yards and a score versus Hastings.

The Bulldogs will have a bye next Saturday (Nov. 9) to prepare for the 2024 regular season finale coming up on Saturday, Nov. 16. On that date, Concordia will be at Midland (5-4, 4-4 GPAC) for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff from Heedum Field in Fremont, Neb. Last season’s meeting in Seward was won by the Warriors in double overtime, 39-37. In this week’s action, Midland was clipped at Mount Marty, 28-27.

Jablonski honored by GPAC for second time in three weeks

November 4, 2024

 For the second time in three weeks, senior Austin Jablonski has been recognized by the GPAC. On Monday (Nov. 4), the league office named Jablonski as the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Offensive Player of the Week following the Concordia University, Nebraska Football team’s 42-6 win over Hastings. Jablonski earned the same award on Oct. 21. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad has raked in five conference player of the week awards in 2024.

As part of the blowout win over Hastings, Jablonski surpassed 100 receiving yards for the fifth time this season. He grabbed eight receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns while burning the Bronco secondary. His touchdown catches from quarterback DJ McGarvie covered 67 and 42 yards, respectively. The Lincoln Pius X High School alum also rushed four times for 20 yards. The performance pushed Jablonski over 1,000 yards receiving for the season, making him the first player in program history to reach that number in back-to-back years.

On the program’s all-time receiving lists, the All-American Jablonski ranks second in receptions (197), second in receiving yards (2,627) and fourth in receiving touchdowns (20). The program record holder in each of those categories is Korrell Koehlmoos for receptions (221) and receiving yards (2,894) and Jared Garcia for receiving touchdowns (35).

2024 GPAC Players of the Week

Sept. 2 – DJ McGarvie
Sept. 16 – Mark Arp
Oct. 7 – *Carson Fehlhafer
Oct. 21 – Austin Jablonski
Nov. 4 – Austin Jablonski

*NAIA National Player of the Week

Concordia Football crashes NAIA top 25, lands at No. 23

November 4, 2024

After four-straight weeks of knocking on the door as a “receiving votes” team, Concordia University, Nebraska Football cracked the NAIA top 25 poll on Monday (Nov. 4). The Bulldogs landed at No. 23 in the latest poll, marking the program’s first national ranking since November 2017. Concordia picked up 56 points in the poll while leaping three spots from their position the previous week.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad (7-2, 7-2 GPAC) has had to earn its way into the top 25 after beginning this season under the radar nationally. The Bulldogs began to garner more national attention on Oct. 5 when they upset then second-ranked Northwestern, 29-17. Since then, Concordia has kept on winning with victories over Doane, 45-10, Mount Marty, 31-27, and Hastings, 42-6.

As Daberkow mentioned following the win at Northwestern, “If we can stay at two losses, we’ll have the best two-loss résumé in the country.” The résumé continues to show two losses, both of which occurred in September at the hands of NAIA top 10 teams: then No. 10 Morningside and then No. 9 Dordt. After a bye this week, Concordia will have an opportunity to pick up a quality road win when it visits Midland on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Through nine games, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents by a combined total of 340-171. At 7-2, Concordia has won at least seven of its first nine games of a season for the first time since the 2001 GPAC championship squad sat at 8-1. The 2024 team’s current averages of 37.8 points and 480.1 yards per game are on track to break school records. The program standards for a single season are 35.9 points (1951) and 412.0 yards (2023).

In the 2024 home regular season finale this past week, the Bulldogs shrugged off five turnovers and pulled away from Hastings on senior day. DJ McGarvie threw for four touchdown passes with two of them going to All-American receiver Austin Jablonski (67 and 42 yards, respectively). Jablonski became the first player in program history to record back-to-back seasons of 1,000 receiving yards. He now ranks No. 2 on the program’s all-time receiving yards list with 2,627 for his career. McGarvie and Jablonski were two of the 29 seniors honored prior to kickoff versus Hastings.

Said Kyle Sterup following the win over Hastings, “It’s an unbelievably talented group. It’s a historic group. I can’t say enough about the seniors. It’s been a great run. It’s not over of course, but there has been a lot of reflection for all of us.”

Additional information on NAIA football can be found via the NAIA football homepage HERE. The page contains links to the ARC ratings, which help determine NAIA Championship Series at-large qualifiers. Concordia is currently ranked seventh in ARC 3, which combines the GPAC and the Mid-States Football Association.

No. 20 Concordia states playoff case, stomps Midland in regular season finale

November 16, 2024

Trailing at halftime on Saturday, the 20th-ranked Concordia University, Nebraska Football team felt its postseason hopes hanging in the balance. It responded emphatically while putting together perhaps its best quarter of football all season. A 31-0 spread in that 15-minute stretch led to a 45-13 statement win at Midland in the final game of the 2024 regular season. The Bulldogs rattled off 227 yards of offense in the third period alone in the 72nd all-time meeting with the rival Warriors.

The win puts Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad at 8-2 (tied for second in the final GPAC standings). The eight wins are the most for the program since the 2001 GPAC championship team went 10-2.

“I am just really proud of how our guys stuck with it,” Daberkow said. “That was a dogfight in the first half, but we had some things we felt like we were making progress on. Coaches stuck with it and stuck with the game plan. I’m just very pleased with the second half outcome. If you keep chopping long enough, the three’s going to fall down. The guys understood that the game plan was there. We were tripping up on some simple things that we needed to tweak. I think our coaching staff did a phenomenal job at halftime. The defensive and special teams turnovers set up a ton of scores today. Such a great team effort.”

The splurge out of the halftime locker room began with a five-play, 54-yard drive resulting in Peyton Atwood’s 28-yard field goal and continued with a flurry of Bulldog touchdowns. Austin Jablonski hauled in a 35-yard scoring strike from DJ McGarvie to allow Concordia to regain the lead, 17-13. A Will Potratz interception (and 22-yard return) then led to a three-yard touchdown rush for Mark Arp. Moments later, McGarvie hit a wide-open John Goodwin for a 53-yard touchdown. In putting a cherry on top of the quarter, defensive lineman Devon Polley made a diving interception that set the Bulldogs up at the Midland 33 and paved the way for Arp to rush for another score (on a nine-offensive lineman package).

Such developments that staked Concordia to a 38-13 lead heading into the final 15 minutes were a reversal of a frustrating first half. The Bulldogs were limited to 102 yards in the first half while struggling to finish drives. The Warriors took their first lead of the game (13-7) when Teryn Berry whirled a 15-yard touchdown toss to Tae Marks late in the first half. The rest of the way, the Bulldog defense tightened the screws and became an opportunistic bunch.

Behind an offensive line that has set the tone all season, Arp rushed for 97 yards and two scores on 25 carries. His second touchdown of the day gave him 13 for the season, equaling a program record. In doing so, Arp pushed his season rushing total to 1,195 (third most in program history). In his 36th career start at quarterback, senior DJ McGarvie was an efficient 11-for-14 for 167 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite target Jablonski hauled in six passes for 96 yards and a score and moved past 200 career receptions. He also ran for 56 yards as part of another 200-plus yard rushing day as a team. Carlos Collazo scored the game’s first touchdown on a four-yard rush.

Defensively, Grant Huss and Kyle Sterup posted 10 tackles apiece. Huss got in the backfield for a sack. In addition, playmaking safety Daylon Henson recovered a fumble, picked off a pass (sixth interception of the season) and broke up three passes. Senior Dylan Smith recovered the fumble on special teams that segued into Collazo’s touchdown. Concordia managed to limit game breaking Midland back Tyson Denkert to 74 yards – and he was a nonfactor in the return game.

The Warriors (6-5, 5-5 GPAC) played tight games this season with Morningside (28-21 loss) and Northwestern (17-7 loss) and have been a team that perennially finishes above .500 under Head Coach Jeff Jamrog. Midland entered the game allowing only 18.9 points per game, but it faced one of its most daunting tasks in defending the balanced Bulldogs.

Said Daberkow, “I believe that we are the best two-loss team in America. I think we have a great playoff résumé. We beat the No. 2 team in the country. We had a win today over a very good team that Morningside beat by a touchdown and Northwestern beat by 10 points. We wanted this to be a statement game. The second-place team in the GPAC has always made the postseason. We don’t want to be left out of it. We know it’s in God’s hands now, and we’ll accept the outcome. We feel like this team is one of the best in the country.”

While the likes of McGarvie, Arp and Jablonski rewrite the Concordia record books, Atwood has broken a program single season record with 44 successful PATs on the season (former school record was 40 by Adam Meirose in 2014). The Bulldogs are averaging 38.5 points per game, a figure that bests the previous program record of 35.9 by the 1951 team.

With Saturday’s victory, the Bulldogs made one final argument for why they should be included in the field of 20 teams that will play in the NAIA Football Championship Series. The playoff field will be unveiled via a selection show scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on Sunday. More information about the show can be found HERE. The first round of the NAIA FCS is slated to take place on Saturday, Nov. 23. Should Concordia be rewarded with an at-large bid, it will mark the program’s first playoff appearance since 2001.

Concordia not selected for NAIA Football Championship Series, ends season at 8-2

November 17, 2024

Despite putting together a postseason worthy résumé, the Concordia University, Nebraska Football team was not selected to play in the 2024 NAIA Football Championship Series. The NAIA announced the 20 qualifiers for postseason play on Sunday (Nov. 17) evening via a live selection show. The lone two qualifiers from the GPAC were conference champion Morningside and at-large choice Northwestern.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad officially ends the 2024 season at 8-2. The eight victories were the most for the program since 2001, the same year of Concordia’s most recent playoff berth. The ’24 Bulldogs closed the regular season on Saturday with a 45-13 blowout of Midland. In final NAIA coaches’ poll of the regular season, the Bulldogs landed at No. 17, a highwater mark during Daberkow’s eight seasons as head coach.

Below are notes on the Concordia Football team at the close of the 2024 season.

Team Statistics
*2024 national rankings out of 97 NAIA football programs in parentheses

Concordia
Offensive PPG: 38.5 (20th)
Defensive PPG: 18.4 (19th)
Total Offense: 469.7 (12th)
Pass Offense: 257.8 (19th)
Rush Offense: 211.9 (14th)
Total Defense: 349.0 (52nd)
Pass Defense: 239.9 (83rd)
Rush Defense: 109.1 (21st)
Turnover +/-: +7

2024 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

Concordia
Head Coach: Patrick Daberkow (40-38, 8th season)
Passing: DJ McGarvie – 192/319 (.602), 2,366 yards, 28 td, 11 int, 144.6 effic.
Rushing: Mark Arp – 239 rushes, 1,1195 yards, 5.0 avg, 13 td; 20 receptions for 141 yards
Receiving: Austin Jablonski – 76 receptions, 1,106 yards, 14.6 avg, 10 td
Defense: Grant Huss – 87 tackles, 5.5 tfl’s, 3 int, 3 pbu, 2.5 sacks

2024 SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Concordia (8-2, 8-2 GPAC)
8/31 vs. Waldorf, W, 45-7
9/7 vs. (10) Morningside, L, 21-51
9/14 at Dakota Wesleyan, W, 42-7
9/21 at Briar Cliff, W, 63-13
9/28 vs. (9) Dordt, L, 22-33 (homecoming)
10/5 at (2) Northwestern, W, 29-17
10/19 at Doane, W, 45-10
10/26 vs. Mount Marty, W, 31-27
11/2 vs. Hastings, W, 42-6
11/16 at Midland, W, 45-13

2024 finale
The first half was a slugfest as Midland took a 13-7 lead to the break in Fremont. The third quarter was a different story. The Bulldogs outscored the Warriors, 31-0, in that 15-minute stretch that included an interception apiece from Will Potratz and Devon Polley. After opening the third quarter with a 28-yard field goal by Peyton Atwood, Concordia continued its splurge with a 35-yard touchdown pass from DJ McGarvie to Austin Jablonski, a Mark Arp three-yard touchdown rush, a McGarvie 53-yard touchdown pass to John Goodwin and an Arp two-yard touchdown rush. For good measure, Jablonski added a 34-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs’ 21-0 advantage in points off turnovers proved to be instrumental in the lopsided score. The 45-13 loss for Midland (6-5, 5-5 GPAC) represented its largest margin of defeat this season. Arp finished with 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns while McGarvie completed 11-of-14 passes for 167 yards and two scores. It was another fine day for safety Daylon Henson, who collected six tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and three pass breakups. Grant Huss and Kyle Sterup came away with 10 tackles apiece. Concordia won in Fremont for the first time since 2015.

Playoff resume
When Coach Daberkow’s squad polished off Saturday’s win at Midland, it believed it had done enough to earn one of the seven at-large berths into the NAIA postseason. Below are the metrics that put Concordia under consideration for an at-large selection.

·        8-2 record (T-2nd place in GPAC).

·        NAIA strength of schedule: 22nd (Massey Ratings)

·        Win at No. 2 Northwestern, 29-17.

·        Two losses came to NAIA top 10 foes: No. 10 Morningside and No. 9 Dordt.

·        Outscored opponents, 385-184.

·        Out-sacked opponents, 28-4.

·        Outrushed opponents, 211.9 to 109.1.

·        1,000-yard rusher (Mark Arp) / 1,000-yard receiver (Austin Jablonski) / 9,000-yard career passer (DJ McGarvie).

·        5-0 road record.

·        Play in the NAIA’s best conference: the GPAC is 22-6 in the playoffs versus nonconference opponents over the past five years.

8-2 or better after 10 games, GPAC era
2024 – 8-2 (7-2 GPAC)
2001 – 9-1 (7-1 GPAC)

6-2 or better after eight games, GPAC era
2024 – 6-2 (6-2 GPAC)
2013 – 6-2 (4-2 GPAC)
2001 – 8-0 (7-0 GPAC)

McGarvie hits 9,000-yard passing milestone in 36th career start
DJ McGarvie made his 36th career start in the win at Midland. He enjoyed an efficient 11-for-14 passing day in Fremont and eclipsed 9,000 passing yards for his career. The accomplished McGarvie owns program career records for passing yards (9,045), passing touchdowns (82), completions (761) and pass attempts (1,318) and holds school single season standards for passing yards (2,642 in 2023), passing touchdowns (28 in 2024), completions (229 in 2022) and pass attempts (388 in 2022). His 458 passing yards versus Dordt in 2022 represent a school record for a single game. In addition to his 82 career touchdown passes, the Lincoln North Star High School alum has run for nine scores. While leading the GPAC in passing yards per game (264.2) in 2023, McGarvie became the first Bulldog quarterback in the GPAC era (2000-present) to be named either first or second team all-conference. By season, McGarvie has turned in touchdown-to-interception ratios of 19-7 in 2021, 18-6 in 2022, 17-10 in 2023 and 28-11 in 2024. Among GPAC quarterbacks in 2024, McGarvie ranks second in touchdown passes (28), second in passing yards (2,366), third in passer efficiency (144.6) and fourth in completion percentage (.602).

Concordia all-time passing yards leaders
1. DJ McGarvie – 9,045
2. Jarrod Pimentel – 6,435
3. Von Thomas – 5,662
4. Rod Giesselmann – 5,519
5. Kurt Earl – 4,158

Concordia all-time passing touchdowns leaders
1. DJ McGarvie – 82
2. Von Thomas – 49
2. Jarrod Pimentel – 49
4. Rod Giesselmann – 47
5. Kurt Earl – 37

Jablonski reaches 200 career receptions
All-American receiver Austin Jablonski achieved another milestone in the win at Midland as he surpassed 200 career catches. He is just the second player in program history to hit that mark. In three season as a Bulldog, Jablonski piled up 203 receptions, 2,723 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns in 30 games. On the program’s all-time lists, the Lincoln Pius X High School alum ranks second in receptions, second in receiving yards and fourth in receiving touchdowns. In addition, Jablonski has racked up 459 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns in addition to four passing touchdowns throughout his Concordia career. While Jablonski grabs headlines, McGarvie also threw to reliable targets such as Adam Van Cleave, Daylan Russell and John Goodwin. Van Cleave totaled 57 catches for 652 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. Meanwhile, Russell caught six touchdowns and Goodwin hauled in four touchdown receptions as a potent tight end duo. The receiver group also featured Max Bartels and Thomas Meadough.

Concordia all-time reception leaders
1. Korrell Koehlmoos – 221
2. Austin Jablonski – 203
3. Ross Wurdeman – 168
3. Jared Garcia – 161
5. Eric Pralle – 147

Concordia all-time receiving yards leaders
1. Korrell Koehlmoos – 2,894
2. Austin Jablonski – 2,723
3. Jared Garcia – 2,495
4. Ross Wurdeman – 2,458
5. Clarence Woods – 2,011

Arp equals school record for rushing touchdowns in a season
Senior running back Mark Arp was a workhorse once again as he carried the ball 25 times for 97 yards and two touchdowns in the win at Midland. The two scores gave him 13 rushing touchdowns on the season, equaling a program record set by Cleve Wester in 1984. Wester went on to play three games for the Detroit Lions in 1987 as an NFL replacement player. On the season, Arp rushed for 1,195 yards, a figure that ranks as the third highest in a single season in program history. Arp also ranks seventh on the program’s all-time career rushing list with 2,037 yards. Arp and No. 2 back Carlos Collazo (seven rushing touchdowns) combined for 20 rushing touchdowns in 2024. Running lanes have been created for Arp and Collazo by a veteran offensive line. The same five players have started up front for nine of the 10 games: Cohen Carpenter and Blake Schlegel at the tackles, Tyler Walford and Christian Schlepp at the guard spots and Jackson Anderson at center. In the win at Doane, Brevin Damrow stepped in and made the start at center for Anderson (under the weather). The group surrendered only four sacks all season and held its opponents without a sack in 12 of the past 15 games dating back to last season. Concordia outnumbered its foes in sacks, 28-4, for the season and outrushed them, on average, 211.9 to 109.1.

Concordia 1,000-yard rushers, single season
1. JaMaine Lewis – 1,265 (2007)
2. Ryan Durdon – 1,247 (2017)
3. Mark Arp – 1,195 (2024)
4. Cleve Wester – 1,114 (1984)
5. Randy Posphishil – 1,085 (1972)
6. Bryce Collins – 1,016 (2014)
7. Jeff Towns – 1,002 (1979)

Offense breaks program records for scoring, total yardage
McGarvie and the offense put up more than 40 points in six of this season’s 10 games with a high of 63 coming at Briar Cliff (a GPAC conference game record for the program). The 2024 team’s final averages of 38.5 points and 469.7 yards per game broke school records. The previous standards for a single season were 35.9 points (1951) and 412.0 yards (2023). The 670 total yards at Doane also represented a new program GPAC era record, eclipsing the 641 yards Concordia totaled in this season’s win at Dakota Wesleyan.

Defensive standouts
Several Bulldogs on the defensive side of the ball will be candidates for GPAC All-Conference awards. The defense ranked in the top 20 nationally for scoring defense while led by a strong group up front that includes Kyle Sterup (69 tackles, 15.5 tfl’s, 5 sacks), Devon Polley (42 tackles, 16.5 tfl’s, 5 sacks) and Carson Fehlhafer (39 tackles, 6 tfl’s and 6 sacks). At linebacker, Grant Huss topped the team in tackles with 87 to go along with 5.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions. Two-time All-GPAC linebacker Michael Grindey surpassed 250 career tackles in 2024 and registered 67 tackles this season. At safety, Daylon Henson is tied for the GPAC lead with six interceptions. Henson also tallied 55 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Three other Bulldogs notched at least 50 tackles this season: Nick Leader (54), Luke Penrod (52) and Will Potratz (51).

Atwood sets new standard for PATs
A sophomore out of Grand Island Northwest High School, Peyton Atwood has been steady in handling placekicking duties. Thanks to going 6-for-6 on PATs at Midland, Atwood broke the program record for PATs in a single season with 44. The previous school record had been held by Adam Meirose, who made 40 extra points in 2014. Atwood totaled 56 points (third on the team) this season while going 4-for-4 on field goals and 44-for-47 on PATs. In his college career, Atwood is 8-for-11 on field goals and 80-for-87 on PATs. The kicking game for Concordia also includes punter Braxtyn Koch (37.7 punting average) and Admir Mujkic (63 kickoffs). Koch is the son of former Baltimore Ravens NFL punter Sam Koch.

Poll position
Concordia had to earn respect throughout the fall. It began the 2024 campaign under the radar after finishing 2023 with a 5-5 record. The Bulldogs began receiving votes nationally after the 29-17 win at No. 2 Northwestern on Oct. 5. Concordia remained in the receiving votes category for four-straight weeks before finally cracking the top 25 at No. 23 on Nov. 4. Daberkow’s squad then jumped to No. 20 on Nov. 11 and bumped up to No. 17 on Nov. 17.

Concordia’s 2024 NAIA Rankings
Oct. 7 – RV
Oct. 14 – RV
Oct. 21 – RV
Oct. 28 – RV
Nov. 4 – 23rd
Nov. 11 – 20th
Nov. 17 – 17th

Around the league
Despite the GPAC being known nationally as one of the NAIA’s top conferences, the league earned only one at-large bid into the postseason. Morningside qualified automatically as the GPAC champion while Northwestern was chosen for an at-large qualifier. Both Morningside (No. 6 seed) and Northwestern (No. 11 seed) will have byes in the NAIA Football Championship Series first round. The bubbles burst on Sunday for both Concordia and Dordt, two hopeful at-large candidates. Based on the final NAIA coaches’ poll, Southwestern College out of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference was awarded the second to last at-large spot. Southwestern was ranked behind three teams that did not qualify for the playoffs: No. 16 Southeastern University (Fla.), No. 17 Concordia and No. 18 Dordt. It should be noted that the national selection committee evaluates criteria beyond the NAIA coaches’ poll.

Henson named GPAC Defensive Player of the Week following rout of Midland

November 18, 2024

 In the final release of GPAC football players of the week for 2024, Concordia University, Nebraska junior safety Daylon Henson earned recognition. Henson was named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Defensive Player of the Week on Monday (Nov. 18). The honor comes following the Bulldogs’ 45-13 win at Midland to wrap up the 2024 season. Throughout this fall, Concordia Football earned six GPAC player of the week awards.

Henson put together a season that should also earn him all-conference accolades. In the win at Midland, the Pearland, Texas, native recorded six tackles (one for loss), an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and three pass breakups. The pick marked Henson’s sixth of the season, tying him for the GPAC lead. Henson and the Concordia defense held the Warriors scoreless in the second half in Fremont. On the year, Henson has totaled 55 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Henson returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown in the win at Briar Cliff.

On Sunday, the 17th-ranked Bulldogs learned they had missed out on the NAIA Football Championship Series despite an 8-2 record. The eight wins were the most for the program since the 2001 season. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad will finish with a top 25 final ranking (first time for the program since 2016).

2024 GPAC Players of the Week

Sept. 2 – DJ McGarvie
Sept. 16 – Mark Arp
Oct. 7 – *Carson Fehlhafer
Oct. 21 – Austin Jablonski
Nov. 4 – Austin Jablonski
Nov. 18 – Daylon Henson

*NAIA National Player of the Week

Program record eight Bulldogs land on All-GPAC first team, 14 total honored

November 20, 2024

First Team: Mark Arp (RB); Carson Fehlhafer (DL); Daylon Henson (DB); Austin Jablonski (WR); Devon Polley (DL); Blake Schlegel (OL); Kyle Sterup (DL); Tyler Walford (OL).
Second Team: John Goodwin (TE); DJ McGarvie (QB); Adam Van Cleave (WR).
Honorable Mention: Cohen Carpenter (OL); Grant Huss (LB); Christian Schlepp (OL).

SEWARD, Neb. – In light of the program’s winningest season in more than two decades, the Concordia University, Nebraska Football team landed eight players on the 2024 GPAC All-Conference first team. In total, 14 Bulldogs were honored with all-conference accolades in an announcement made by the league office on Wednesday (Nov. 20). The first team selections include running back Mark Arp, defensive lineman Carson Fehlhafer, safety Daylon Henson, receiver Austin Jablonski, defensive lineman Devon Polley, offensive lineman Blake Schlegel, defensive lineman Kyle Sterup and offensive lineman Tyler Walford.

Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad concluded the 2024 season at 8-2. Despite a strong resume, Concordia was left out of the 20-team NAIA Football Championship Series field. The eight first team All-GPAC honorees are a program record and tied for the most of any GPAC football program for 2024.

While running behind a physically stout and veteran offensive line, Arp enjoyed one of the finest seasons ever by a Bulldog tailback. His 1,195 yards represented the third highest single season rushing total in program history and his 13 rushing touchdowns equaled a record set by Cleve Wester in 1984. The McCook, Neb., native also added 20 receptions for 141 yards. Arp hit the century mark in the rushing department four times in 2024 with a high of 210 coming in the win at Dakota Wesleyan. Over four seasons, Arp amassed 2,037 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. The career rushing total ranks No. 7 on the school’s all-time list.

A junior from Utica, Neb., Fehlhafer served as a force at the nose guard position for a defense that ranked 21st nationally against the rush. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound stalwart moved up to the GPAC’s first team after being tabbed honorable mention in 2023. The season tallies for Fehlhafer included 39 tackles, six stops for loss, six sacks, a forced fumble and a blocked field goal. Fehlhafer was named the NAIA National Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 7 after he registered three sacks in the 29-17 win at No. 2 Northwestern. Over his first three seasons at Concordia, Fehlhafer has notched 85 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.

In the secondary, Henson emerged as a big-time playmaker in 2024. He equaled a GPAC high with six interceptions and added 55 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The Pearland, Texas, native was tabbed the GPAC Defensive Player of the Week following the 45-13 win at Midland. Henson also returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown as part of the victory at Briar Cliff.

A Lincoln Pius X High School alum, Jablonski put his name up there with the greatest receivers to ever play at Concordia. As a senior in 2024, the former Cornhusker walk-on posted 76 receptions for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown as one of the GPAC’s most dynamic offensive threats. Jablonski was twice named the GPAC Offensive Player of the Week in 2024 and broke a program record for a single game with 213 receiving yards in the win at Doane. On the program’s all-time lists, Jablonski ranks second in receptions (203), second in receiving yards (2,723) and fourth in receiving touchdowns (21). Jablonski is a two-time First Team All-GPAC selection and was honored in 2023 by the American Football Coaches Association as an NAIA First Team All-American.

Polley teamed up with Fehlhafer and Sterup for arguably the best defensive line in the GPAC. The Edmond, Okla., native has picked up his third career All-GPAC award having been tabbed second team in 2022 and honorable mention in 2023. As a senior, Polley piled up 42 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and 11 quarterback hurries. His impressive career totals include 152 tackles, 54 tackles for loss, 19 sacks and two interceptions. Polley was an immediate impact player and registered at least 3.5 sacks in all four years.

Schlegel (Bruning, Neb.) and Walford (Lincoln, Kan.) have anchored an offensive line that helped pave the way for the Bulldogs to break program records for scoring average (38.5) and total yards per game (469.7). Schlegel (right tackle) and Walford (left guard) both started all 10 games in 2024 as part of a unit that surrendered only four sacks and opened holes for a run game that averaged 211.9 yards per game and 5.3 yards per carry. Schlegel (honorable mention in 2023) and Walford (second team in 2023) have earned All-GPAC accolades in back-to-back years. In addition, right guard Christian Schlepp (10 starts in 2024) of Manhattan, Kan., and left tackle Cohen Carpenter (10 starts in 2024) of Manvel, Texas, were named Honorable Mention All-GPAC. A two-time all-conference honoree, Schlepp has spent six years in the program. As for Carpenter, he is a transfer from Abilene Christian University and started 18 games over two seasons as a Bulldog.

The Osceola, Neb., native Sterup has landed on the All-GPAC first team for the second-straight year. The 6-foot-5 senior ranked second on the team in tackles with 69 in 2024. He also added 15.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and a blocked field goal. Sterup made four stops in the backfield in the win over Mount Marty. In 37 career games as a Bulldog, Sterup has totaled 206 tackles, 45.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Sterup and his defensive teammates combined for 79 tackles for loss and 28 sacks in 2024.

A roommate and close friend to Jablonski, tight end John Goodwin (Lincoln, Neb.) earned Second Team All-GPAC accolades in his only season as a Bulldog. In his first game with Concordia, Goodwin caught two touchdowns as part of the home win over Waldorf. He finished this season with 12 receptions for 210 yards and four touchdowns while serving as an all-around player at the tight end position. Goodwin teamed up with fellow tight end Daylan Russell (six touchdown catches) for a potent combo.

The Lincoln North Star High School alum DJ McGarvie earned back-to-back Second Team All-GPAC honors and goes down as the most accomplished quarterback in program history. In his senior season in 2024, McGarvie 192-of-319 passes (.602) for 2,366 yards and 28 touchdowns for an efficiency rating of 144.6. McGarvie owns program career records for passing yards (9,045), passing touchdowns (82), completions (761) and pass attempts (1,318) and holds school single season standards for passing yards (2,642 in 2023), passing touchdowns (28 in 2024), completions (229 in 2022) and pass attempts (388 in 2022). His 458 passing yards versus Dordt in 2022 represent a school record for a single game. In addition to his 82 career touchdown passes, the Valparaiso, Neb., native ran for nine scores.

In his first full healthy season with the Bulldogs, Adam Van Cleave (Columbus, Neb.) blossomed. He picked up Second Team All-GPAC accolades thanks to a stellar junior campaign that included 57 receptions for 652 yards and six touchdowns. In his best statistical performance, Van Cleave made eight grabs for 112 yards and two touchdowns in the win at Doane. Van Cleave caught at least four passes in nine of 10 games this season. He also returned 19 kicks for 417 yards with a long of 34.

As a junior in 2024, Grant Huss (Lincoln, Neb.) earned a starting role at linebacker and never looked back. Huss has garnered Honorable Mention All-GPAC status after leading Concordia in tackles with 87. His season stat line also included 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions and three pass breakups. Huss accumulated a season high 12 tackles in the home win over Hastings and turned in four games with double-digit tackle numbers.

Football program breaks school record with 23 NAIA Scholar-Athletes

November 25, 2024

On the heels of one of the most successful seasons for Concordia University, Nebraska Football during the GPAC era, Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s program set a new standard academically. The Bulldogs landed 23 student-athletes on the list of 2024 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes announced by the NAIA on Nov. 25. That number breaks the program record for a single academic year. Of the 23 honorees, 13 are repeat award winners and 10 are first time NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

In order to be nominated by an institution’s head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at said institution.

As part of the fall semester, the Bulldogs posted an 8-2 record and were under consideration for an NAIA playoff bid. A school record eight Concordia players were named First Team All-GPAC award winners and 14 total Bulldogs were honored on the all-conference team. Concordia will carry a five-game winning streak into the 2025 season.

Concordia University, Nebraska ranks as the NAIA’s all-time leader in number of Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes with 2,526 entering the 2024-25 academic year. The school record for number of Scholar-Athletes in one academic year is 226 achieved in 2019-20. Concordia has been a regular national leader for both Scholar-Athletes and Scholar-Teams.

2024 Concordia Football Scholar-Athletes

·        Jackson Anderson (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)

·        Mark Arp (McCook, Neb.)

·        Braxton Borer (Columbus, Neb.)

·        Noah Brumm (Seward, Neb.)

·        Cohen Carpenter (Manvel, Texas)

·        Brevin Damrow (Plymouth, Neb.)

·        Christian Dyhrkopp (Columbus, Neb.)

·        Jha’Mauri Erilus (Killeen, Texas)

·        Carson Fehlhafer (Utica, Neb.)

·        Tanner Frahm (Plainview, Neb.)

·        Toby Hager (La Mirada, Calif.)

·        Jesse Herndon (Saronville, Neb.)

·        Austin Jablonski (Lincoln, Neb.)

·        Joseph Kahrs (Naponee, Neb.)

·        Jaxson Kant (Norfolk, Neb.)

·        Reed McFadden (Purdum, Neb.)

·        Nathan Miller (Seward, Neb.)

·        Luke Penrod (Lincoln, Neb.)

·        Calvin Sassaman (Wahoo, Neb.)

·        Terrigen Sebek (Hampton, Neb.)

·        Jaden Seier (Kearney, Neb.)

·        Gideon Stark (Magnolia, Texas)

·        Adam Van Cleave (Columbus, Neb.)

Records Update: 2024 Bulldogs shatter offensive records

December 2, 2024

Only two teams in the history of the Concordia University, Nebraska Football program have won more games in a single season than the 2024 squad guided by Head Coach Patrick Daberkow. The ’24 team went 8-2 overall while contending for an NAIA postseason bid and rewriting the school’s offensive record books. The latest Bulldog squad stands out as the most prolific offensive edition the program has ever trotted out. New standards were set in the categories of scoring average (38.5) and total offense (469.7), among other categories.

Below is a summary of the team and individual records that were broken in 2024. The list also features current Bulldogs who have risen up the program’s all-time charts for a single season and/or career. A four-year starter, DJ McGarvie broke program passing records across the board and set high bars with 82 passing touchdowns and 9,045 passing yards in his career. Behind a high performing offensive line, the likes of running back Mark Arp and  receiver Austin Jablonski also put together 2024 campaigns that ranked among the best in school history at their respective positions.

There are six teams in program history that have won at least eight games in a single season. The 2001 team (10-2) coached by Courtney Meyer and the 1981 team (9-1) coached by Larry Oetting were the only two Bulldog editions to surpass eight victories in a campaign.

The updated record book also lists every All-GPAC award winner in Concordia’s history. The 2024 squad placed a program record eight team members on the conference’s first team. The first teamers were running back Mark Arp, defensive lineman Carson Fehlhafer, defensive back Daylon Henson, receiver Austin Jablonski, defensive lineman Devon Polley, offensive lineman Blake Schlegel, defensive lineman Kyle Sterup and offensive lineman Tyler Walford.

Team records broken in 2024:

·        Most points scored in a season (385).

·        Most points scored per game (38.5).

·        Most touchdowns scored in a season (53).

·        Most first downs per game (23.4).

·        Most yards gained in a season (4,697).

·        Most total yards per game (469.7).

·        Highest passing completion percentage (.605).

·        Most passing touchdowns in a season (28).

·        Most First Team All-GPAC award winners (8).

·        Most NAIA Scholar-Athletes (23).

DJ McGarvie

Program records:

·        Most passing touchdowns for a career (82).

·        Most passing yards for a career (9,045).

·        Most pass completions for a career (761).

·        Most pass attempts for a career (1,318).

·        Owns program single season records for passing yards (2,642 in 2023), passing touchdowns (28 in 2024), completion percentage (.602 in 2024), pass completions (229 in 2022) and pass attempts (388 in 2022).

Austin Jablonski

·        No. 2 in program history for career receiving yards (2,723).

·        No. 2 in program history for career receptions (203).

·        No. 4 in program history for career touchdowns (21).

·        No. 6 in program history for career total touchdowns scored (27).

·        Owns program single season rankings of No. 1 in receiving yards (1,134 in 2023), No. 2 in receptions (91 in 2023) and No. 3 in receiving touchdowns (10 in 2024).

·        Owns the two highest single season receiving yards totals in school history (including 1,106 in 2024).

Mark Arp

·        Equaled a program record with 13 rushing touchdowns in 2024.

·        Broke a program single season record with 239 rushing attempts in 2024.

·        2024 rushing total of 1,195 yards ranks No. 3 in school history.

·        Ranks No. 7 on the program’s all-time rushing list with 2,037 yards.

Peyton Atwood

·        Broke program record for successful PATs in a single season (44 in 2024).

Michael Grindey

·        No. 3 in program history (GPAC era) for career tackles (265).

Devon Polley

·        No. 4 in program history for career sacks (19).

Adam Van Cleave

·        57 receptions in 2024 rank No. 6 on the program’s all-time single season list.

·        652 receiving yards in 2024 rank No. 13 on the program’s all-time single season list.

Daylon Henson

·        Six interceptions in 2024 rank No. 6 on the program’s all-time single season list.

Season-In-Review: 2024 team breaks records, leaves lasting legacy

December 5, 2024

The 2024 Concordia University, Nebraska Football team did not receive the NAIA Football Championship Series invitation it felt like it had earned, but Head Coach Patrick Daberkow and his staff and players can take solace in knowing they put together one of the finest seasons in program history. On the strength of a record-breaking offense and rock-solid defense, the Bulldogs compiled an 8-2 record and rose as high as No. 17 in the NAIA coaches’ poll. The win at No. 2 Northwestern in early October raised eyebrows and the stature of Concordia Football on the national landscape.

This was the type of season the program had been striving for ever since Coach Courtney Meyer led the 2001 team to a GPAC championship and NAIA playoff appearance. The statistical dominance of the ’24 squad paints a picture of a group that was plenty capable of advancing in the postseason.

“It’s just such a tough pill to swallow,” said Daberkow in the aftermath of the playoff snub. “When you look at it, I think it’s definitely a team that will go down as one of the most memorable. It’s the most memorable season I’ve been a part of. To be able to beat the No. 2 team and finish tied with them in the conference was a very satisfying moment. Our only losses were to two top 10 teams. We outscored our opponents, 385-184, and out-sacked our opponents, 28-4. We felt like our trenches were such a strength for us this year.”

Superior line-of-scrimmage play carried the Bulldogs to that monumental victory in Orange City, Iowa, over the vaunted Red Raiders, who made national championship game appearances in 2022 and 2023. That victory put Concordia at 4-2 and had it dreaming of NAIA playoff qualification. Over the season’s final four games, the Bulldogs took care of business and demolished their in-state competition, winning by scores of 45-10 over Doane, 42-6 over Hastings and 45-13 over Midland. The pummeling of the Warriors in Fremont meant that Concordia went a perfect 5-0 on the road in 2024.

The decisive victory to close the regular season provided a satisfying final game for a senior class large on quantity and quality. Senior quarterback DJ McGarvie continued padding his school records and Austin Jablonski proved himself to be the very best receiver in the GPAC. The dynamic passing attack helped create running lanes for senior back Mark Arp, who went past 1,000 yards rushing and equaled a school record with 13 rushing touchdowns. The gaudy statistics were made possible by a veteran offensive line featuring Cohen Carpenter and Blake Schlegel at the tackles, Tyler Walford and Christian Schlepp at the guard spots and Jackson Anderson at center (with Toby Hager also playing regularly).

The full extent of program records broken by the 2024 team can be found HERE. With McGarvie at the controls for his fourth season as a starter, the Bulldogs broke school records for scoring average (38.5) and total offense per game (469.7). McGarvie piled up more than 9,000 career passing yards and Jablonski became the second player in program history to snag more than 200 career receptions. After taking a chance on Concordia following his time as a walk-on at the University of Nebraska, Jablonski found his home.

Tweeted Jablonski after playing his final game as a Bulldog, “To my family, friends, coaches, and teammates… Thank You! Bulldog For Life.”

The gratitude expressed by Jablonski for his coaches and teammates is representative of a close-knit team that badly wanted at least one more opportunity to take the field together. All season long, Daberkow gushed about the leadership qualities of standup young men like Jablonski and the class of 29 seniors that were honored on senior day. Before each game, Jablonski, McGarvie, Michael Grindey and Kyle Sterup represented the team as captains.

“These guys in the locker room have just meant so much and they mean so much to us,” Daberkow said. “It’s the turning of a page that we weren’t really ready to turn, but it’s here. We have to turn it and we have to move forward. We have a lot to build on. We have a ton of talent in the locker room that I’m excited about developing. I’m just excited to see what these seniors do as husbands, fathers and leaders. A couple guys might still have some opportunities to continue playing football, which is a really awesome opportunity.”

While the offense grabbed headlines due to it scoring touchdowns at a school record clip, the defense coordinated by Corby Osten improved significantly from 2023 to 2024. Concordia slashed its opponents’ scoring average from 31.9 in 2023 to 18.4 in 2024. The defense was anchored by a line with three First Team All-GPAC selections: Sterup, Carson Fehlhafer and Devon Polley. At linebacker, Grindey surpassed 250 career tackles and Grant Huss emerged in a big way. Meanwhile, Daylon Henson became a star in the secondary and plucked a GPAC high six interceptions.

On special teams, the kicker-punter combo of Peyton Atwood (school record 44 PATs) and Braxtyn Koch made for a solid kicking game. In the return game, Adam Van Cleave capably handled punts and kickoffs while turning in a fine season as the No. 2 receiver to Jablonski.

The records set by McGarvie will be difficult to reach for future Bulldog quarterbacks. The Lincoln North Star High School product added another single season standard with 28 touchdown passes this fall. He found Jablonski for 10 of those scores, Van Cleave and tight end Daylan Russell for six touchdowns apiece and tight end John Goodwin for four touchdowns.

There were few weaknesses on this particular team. There were times when Concordia gave up big plays in the passing game, but a still young secondary made obvious leaps forward. Undoubtedly, the Bulldogs had the look of a playoff team. 10/11 News Sports Director Kevin Sjuts certainly believed so and tweeted on Nov. 23, “Concordia football should be playing today.”

So why weren’t the Bulldogs chosen as one of the seven at-large teams in the 2024 NAIA national qualifying field?

On Selection Sunday (Nov. 17), NAIA Football National Selection Committee Chair Jesse Godding said publicly of Concordia, "(Leaving) Concordia and Dordt at home – that’s rough for both those programs. They have had tremendous years. Concordia when they played Northwestern, they got a win over a top 10 team at that time. They did have two top 10 losses, Morningside and Dordt. They were 7-0 against unranked teams. In the secondary criteria, they were 24 in the Pugh rating and 27th in Wolfe but finished right behind Southeastern at 17th in the final coaches’ poll. The strength of that conference is pretty good. For both Concordia and Dordt, it was tough for the committee, but it was nothing for us compared to them having 8-2 years and being left out of the playoffs.”

It will take time for Daberkow and everyone associated with the 2024 team to fully come to terms with the exclusion. Said Daberkow, “Honestly, we felt very strongly that we would be a tough out for anybody in the country. We were very confident with how things ended with the season – beating up on in-state rivals and being able to play a high level of football, as high of a level of football as I’ve ever been around. We felt deserving but it didn’t happen, and that’s life. You learn from it, you move forward and you do the next right thing. That’s what we’re going to do.”

Outside of the tangible results and records that came out of 2024, a feel-good moment occurred on Oct. 26 when the university celebrated Coach Courtney Meyer Day. The former 19-year Concordia head coach made the decision that the 2024 season would be his last one as an assistant on Daberkow’s staff. Counting his high school and collegiate career, Meyer spent 54 years coaching the game he loved. On Coach Meyer Day, fans held up hundreds of cutouts that displayed Meyer’s face. The celebration was deserved for ‘Mr. Concordia.’

As Meyer said, “It’s the right time. There’s a time when you have to retire. I’m going to miss it. I’m really going to miss it. Patrick said, ‘Coach, you can come by whenever you want.’ I said, ‘I will probably take you up on it.’ I’m the one who’s been really blessed by being here. My wife Connie and I have been blessed immeasurably by what has taken place here.”

As of the release of this season-in-review, postseason awards were still streaming in. A couple of additional program records were broken for number of First Team All-GPAC honorees (eight) and number of NAIA Scholar-Athletes (23).

“It’s a reflection of the work that those guys put in,” Daberkow said. “Nobody came in here and was a first team all-conference guy their first year here. Not one guy. That is the culmination of a ton of work, including the recruitment effort to find the right guys to fit our locker room. We talk about very specific things in a recruit that we want to fit the guys that we have in the locker room. It takes a lot to find those guys, guys who are willing to work and sacrifice and do things kind of different. It’s been an honor and a blessing to spend time with them and to coach them.”

The offseason is underway for the Bulldogs, who now watch GPAC rivals Morningside and Northwestern advance in the NAIA playoffs. The chance to realize dreams of reaching those heights will have to wait at least one more year. The 2025 Concordia Football team will look much different without the large and influential class of seniors, but the groundwork has been laid and the bar has been raised.

The Bulldogs will ring in 2025 with the expectation of standing amongst the top 25 teams in the NAIA. Should Concordia make its way to the playoffs in the years to come, it will point back to 2024 as the year that such an achievement became realistically attainable.

“The weight room is calling,” Daberkow said. “We’ve been lifting all season, but that will ramp up soon. I want our guys to take a little time and spend time with family. There is a clear path forward that we feel like we need to take. We’re so excited about it. We finished the regular season ranked 17th in the country. We’ll position ourselves well heading into the top 25 next season and we’ll set out our specific goals for next year with the leadership of the locker room. We’ll eat food, lift weights, sleep and sprint and repeat.”

Jablonski named to first team, Schlegel second team on AFCA All-America teams

December 11, 2024

For the 10th-straight year, the Concordia University, Nebraska Football program has placed at least one player on the list of NAIA All-Americans released by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). On Wednesday (Dec. 11), the coaches organization announced senior receiver Austin Jablonski as an NAIA First Team All-American and senior offensive lineman Blake Schlegel as an NAIA Second Team All-American. Both Jablonski and Schlegel were part of a program record-breaking offense in 2024. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad completed the season at 8-2 and ranked No. 17 in the NAIA.

Honored as an NAIA First Team All-American by the AFCA in back-to-back years, Jablonski played in the FCS Bowl this past Saturday, which allowed him the opportunity to get in front of professional scouts. The Lincoln Pius X High School alum posted 2024 totals of 76 receptions for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Jablonski is the only player in the program’s history to achieve back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Jablonski was twice named the GPAC Offensive Player of the Week in 2024 and broke a program record for a single game with 213 receiving yards in the win at Doane. On the program’s all-time lists, Jablonski ranks second in receptions (203), second in receiving yards (2,723) and fourth in receiving touchdowns (21). Jablonski is a two-time First Team All-GPAC selection and was tabbed a 2023 Second Team All-American by the Associated Press.

A Bruning, Neb., native and Bruning-Davenport-Shickley High School alum, Schlegel started all 10 games at right tackle this fall. He played a key role for an offense that averaged 211.9 rushing yards per game (5.3 per carry). Schlegel and his fellow offensive line teammates allowed only four sacks all season. The school records broken by the offense in 2024 included most points scored in a season (385), highest scoring average (38.5), most touchdowns scored in a season (53), most first downs per game (23.4), most yards gained in a season (4,697), most total yards per game (469.7), highest completion percentage (.605) and most passing touchdowns (28).

Since 2012, the program’s NAIA First Team All-Americans from the AFCA have included kicker Kenny Zoeller (2012), safety Darnell Woods (2013), defensive lineman Trey Barnes (2016), linebacker Lane Napier (2021) and receiver Austin Jablonski (2023 and 2024).

CONCORDIA FOOTBALL ALL-TIME ALL-AMERICANS

2024 – Austin Jablonski, receiver (first team – AFCA)

2024 – Blake Schlegel, offensive line (second team – AFCA)

2024 – Daylon Henson, safety (first team - Associated Press)

2023 – Austin Jablonski, receiver (first team – AFCA; second team – Associated Press)

2022 – Korrell Koehlmoos, receiver (honorable mention – AFCA)

2021 – Lane Napier, linebacker (first team – AFCA)

2021 – Garrett Schardt, tight end (honorable mention – AFCA)

2020 – Lane Napier, linebacker (second team – AFCA)

2019 – Lane Napier, linebacker (honorable mention – AFCA)

2018 – Lane Napier, linebacker (first team – Associated Press; honorable mention – NAIA)

2017 – Tarence Roby, defensive back (first team – Associated Press; second team – AFCA)

2016 – Trey Barnes, defensive line (first team – AFCA)

2015 – Trey Barnes, defensive line (second team – AFCA)

2013 – Darnell Woods, safety (first team – AFCA)

2012 – Derek Blessing, punt returner (first team – Beyond Sports Network)

2012 – Kenny Zoeller, kicker (first team – AFCA)

2007 – JaMaine Lewis, running back (second team – Victory Sports Network)

2007 – Jeff Neujahr, kick/punt returner (honorable mention – Victory Sports Network)

2006 – Jeff Neujahr, kick/punt returner (honorable mention – Victory Sports Network)

2004 – Matthew Egger, punter

2002 – Sean Stewart, safety (second team)

2001 – Erik DeHaven, linebacker

2001 – Sean Stewart, safety (honorable mention)

2001 – Ross Wurdeman, tight end (first team)

2000 – Sean Stewart, safety (honorable mention)

2000 – Ross Wurdeman, tight end (first team)

1998 – Drew Ekart, defensive back (honorable mention)

1996 – Ed McLaughlin, offensive line (honorable mention)

1995 – Mike Hoernemann, linebacker (honorable mention)

1994 – Travis Soukup, tight end/punter (first team)

1984 – Kahlil King, safety (first team)

1984 – Cleve Wester, running back

1982 – Gary Pomerenke, defensive line (first team)

1981 – Gary Pomerenke, defensive line (second team)

1965 – Dennis Oetting, lineman (honorable mention)

1964 – Bob Oetting, lineman

1961 – Larry Oetting, lineman

1959 – John Suhr, quarterback/safety/punter

1956 – Gary Seevers, running back

1955 – Gary Seevers, running back

Henson honored as NAIA First Team All-American by Associated Press

December 20, 2024

The week following the announcement of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-Americans, the Associated Press (AP) named its own 2024 NAIA All-Americans. In representation of Concordia University, Nebraska Football, junior defensive back Daylon Henson was named an NAIA First Team All-American by the AP on Dec. 20. The list of AP All-Americans includes first and second team offensive and defensive selections. Tabbed All-Americans by the AFCA, seniors Austin Jablonski and Blake Schlegel were not recognized by the AP.

A native of Pearland, Texas, and a Lutheran High School North product, Henson enjoyed a breakout junior campaign at safety for a Bulldog squad that finished the 2024 season at 8-2. A playmaker on the back end, Henson ranked third nationally with six interceptions this past fall. One of those picks was returned 35 yards for a touchdown in the win at Briar Cliff. Henson also came away with two interceptions in the victory at No. 2 Northwestern. In addition to the six picks, Henson’s season stat line included 55 tackles, 11.5 stops for loss, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He starred for a defense that limited opponents 18.4 points per game.

Between the AFCA and AP announcements, Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad picked up three All-America awards in 2024. On the AFCA honor roll, Jablonski was recognized as a first teamer and Schlegel was chosen as a second teamer. Concordia Football has been rewarded with at least one All-American in each of the past 10 seasons.

A complete list of all-time Concordia Football All-Americans can be found HERE.

Four Bulldogs chosen to Victory Sports Network 2024 All-America teams

December 23, 2024

In another release of football All-Americans, Victory Sports Network announced its 2024 honorees on Monday (Dec. 23). Four Bulldogs were tabbed All-Americans by VSN: senior receiver Austin Jablonski (first team), senior offensive lineman Blake Schlegel (second team), senior running back Mark Arp (honorable mention) and junior defensive back Daylon Henson (honorable mention). VSN’s All-America list included first, second and third teams and a group of honorable mentions.

Since the Concordia University, Nebraska Football team finished 2024 with an 8-2 overall record, the program has been recognized in All-America announcements made by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Associated Press (AP). The AFCA tabbed Jablonski a first team honoree and Schlegel a second team award winner while the AP chose Henson as a first teamer.

2024 Victory Sports Network NAIA All-Americans

First Team – Austin Jablonski
Senior | WR | Lincoln, Neb.
2024: 76 receptions, 1,106 yards, 10 TD; 12 rushes, 82 yards, 1 TD.
Career: 203 receptions, 2,723 yards, 21 TD; 459 rushing yards, 6 rushing TD; 4 passing TD.

Second Team – Blake Schlegel
Senior | OL | Bruning, Neb.
2024: Started all 10 games at right tackle for an offense that broke program records for scoring average (38.5) and total yards per game (469.7).
Career: Named Honorable Mention All-GPAC in 2023 and First Team All-GPAC in 2024.

Honorable Mention – Mark Arp
Senior | RB | McCook, Neb.
2024: 239 rushes, 1,195 yards, 13 TD; 20 receptions, 141 yards.
Career: Ranks No. 7 on the program’s all-time rushing with 2,037 career yards.

Honorable Mention – Daylon Henson
Junior | S | Pearland, Texas
2024: 55 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 7 pass breakups, 6 interceptions, 2 fumbles forced, 2 fumble recoveries.
Note: Tabbed an NAIA First Team All-American by the Associated Press.

Jablonski, Henson sweep Omaha World-Herald's All-Midlands Honorary Captain awards

December 29, 2024

 NAIA All-Americans Austin Jablonski and Daylon Henson made it a clean sweep of 2024 NAIA/NCAA D-III All-Midlands Team Honorary Captain awards, as selected by the Omaha World-Herald. The news outlet announced Jablonski as its offensive captain and Henson as its defensive captain in a news article released on Sunday (Dec. 29). In addition, 11 other Bulldogs were either named to the primary NAIA/NCAA D-III All-Midlands Team or were recognized with honorable mention status. Jablonski has been named the Honorary Offensive Captain by the World-Herald for the second-straight year.

The Omaha World-Herald annually releases its All-Midlands teams to recognize the top players from small colleges across the state of Nebraska. The full 2024 All-Midlands squad can be found below. The honorees from Concordia helped Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s 2024 squad to an 8-2 overall record and a spot in the top 20 of the NAIA national poll. The eight wins were the most for the program since 2001.

2024 Concordia All-Midlands Team Honorees

Offensive Honorary Captain – Austin Jablonski, WR
2024 – 76 receptions, 1,106 yards, 10 TDs; rushed for 82 yards and 1 TD; NAIA First Team All-American (AFCA); First Team All-GPAC.

Defensive Honorary Captain – Daylon Henson, DB
2024 – 55 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 7 pass breakups, 6 interceptions (1 returned for TD), 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries; NAIA First Team All-American (AP); First Team All-GPAC.

Mark Arp, RB
2024 – 239 rushes, 1,195 yards, 5.0 yards/rush, 13 TDs; 20 catches for 141 yards; First Team All-GPAC.

Carson Fehlhafer, DL
2024 – 39 tackles, 6 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked field goal; First Team All-GPAC; NAIA National Player of the Week award.

John Goodwin, TE
2024 – 12 receptions, 210 yards, 4 TDs; Second Team All-GPAC.

DJ McGarvie, QB
2024 – 192/319 (.602), 2,366 yards, 28 TD, 11 INT, 144.6 passer efficiency; 2 rushing TDs; Second Team All-GPAC.

Devon Polley, DL
2024 – 42 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble; First Team All-GPAC.

Blake Schlegel, OL
2024 – Started all 10 games at right tackle; offensive line allowed only 4 sacks and paved the way for a team average of 5.3 yards per carry; NAIA Second Team All-American (AFCA); First Team All-GPAC.

Kyle Sterup, DL
2024 – 69 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 blocked field goal; First Team All-GPAC.

Tyler Walford, OL
2024 – Started all 10 games at left guard; offensive line allowed only 4 sacks and paved the way for a team average of 5.3 yards per carry; First Team All-GPAC.

Adam Van Cleave, WR
2024 – 57 receptions, 652 yards, 6 TDs; 1,151 all-purpose yards; Second Team All-GPAC.

Cohen Carpenter, OL (HM)
2024 – Started all 10 games at left tackle; offensive line allowed only 4 sacks and paved the way for a team average of 5.3 yards per carry; Honorable Mention All-GPAC.

Grant Huss, LB (HM)
2024 – Team high 87 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 3 pass breakups; Honorable Mention All-GPAC.

Christian Schlepp, OL (HM)
2024 – Started all 10 games at right guard; offensive line allowed only 4 sacks and paved the way for a team average of 5.3 yards per carry; Honorable Mention All-GPAC.

2024 NAIA/NCAA D-III All-Midlands Team (Omaha World-Herald)

Offense

QB: DJ McGarvie, Concordia
RB: Mark Arp, Concordia
RB: Tyson Denkert. Midland
WR: * Austin Jablonski, Concordia
WR: Cole Siems, Nebraska Wesleyan
TE: John Goodman, Concordia
OL: Owen Anthony, Nebraska Wesleyan
OL: Amahd Baker, Peru State
OL: Christian Robledo, Midland
OL: Blake Schlegel, Concordia
OL: Tyler Walford, Concordia

Defense

DL: Carson Fehlhafer, Concordia
DL: Devon Polley, Concordia
DL: Kyle Sterup, Concordia
DL: Gabe VanWinkle, Midland
LB: Jarett Boggs, Doane
LB: Ja-Quez Oliver, Peru State
LB: Jayden Roberts, Hastings
DB: * Daylon Henson, Concordia
DB: Brandon Lance, Midland
DB: Duke McClinton, Peru State
DB: Ashley Thompson, Peru State

Special Teams

K: Xander Salyers, Hastings
P: Kelen Meyer, Doane
RS: Adam Van Cleave, Concordia
AP: Jordan Kempf, Peru State

Honorable mention: Concordia: Cohen Carpenter, Grant Huss, Christian Schlepp. Doane: Matt Arent, Andrew Brown, Sam Hartman. Hastings: Caden Egr, Jayden Lawrence, Josh Ray, Travon Shaw, Ethan Wilborn. Midland: Jay Ballard, Teryn Berry, Tim Brown, Dane Christensen, Treden Davis-Reed, Cameron Spicer. Nebraska Wesleyan: Sam Contreras, Hunter Hanke, Jake Rhodes, Kevin Starnes. Peru State: Daylan Jones, Stacian Livingston, Jakari Starling, Zahir Washington, Jackson White.

Concordia Football lands at No. 18 for highest final ranking since 2001

January 6, 2025

For the first time since 2016, the Concordia University, Nebraska Football program has ended a campaign with an NAIA national ranking. In the 2024 NAIA Football Postseason Coaches’ Top 25 Poll released on Monday (Jan. 6), the Bulldogs landed at No. 18. Not since the 2001 national qualifying team finished at No. 7 in the NAIA has Concordia closed a season with a higher final ranking. Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad appeared in each of the season’s final four top 25 polls.

The ’24 Bulldogs went 8-2 overall while rewriting the program’s offensive record book. In one of the greatest seasons in school history, Concordia fell just short of an NAIA postseason bid after ending the regular season with five-straight victories. The team was led by a large senior class that featured the likes of record-breaking quarterback DJ McGarvie, 1,000-yard running back Mark Arp and All-Americans in receiver Austin Jablonski and offensive tackle Blake Schlegel. On the defensive side of the ball, safety Daylon Henson pulled in significant postseason awards as an Associated Press First Team All-American and Honorary Defensive Captain of the Omaha World-Herald All-Midlands Team. Jablonski captained the All-Midlands Team on the offensive side.

During the GPAC era (2000-present), the Bulldogs have appeared in the NAIA top 25 in seven separate seasons. The No. 7 ranking achieved by the ’01 GPAC championship squad remains the highest ranking in program history. Conference championship teams of 1970 and 1981 rose as high as No. 12 in the polls. Under former Head Coach Vance Winter, the 2013 edition started 6-0 and leapt to No. 14.

In the 2024 NAIA postseason poll, Concordia was joined by fellow GPAC squads in No. 3 Morningside, No. 7 Northwestern and No. 20 Dordt.

For a closer look at the 2024 season, check out our season-in-review linked HERE.

2024 Accomplishments

·        8-2 overall record (most wins since 2001).

·        Placed in a tie for second in the GPAC.

·        NAIA postseason national ranking of 18th.

·        Won at No. 2 Northwestern; both losses were to top 10 opponents (No. 10 Morningside and No. 9 Dordt).

·        Broke program records for scoring average (38.5) and total offense per game (469.7), among other new standards set by the offense.

·        Outscored opponents, 385-184.

·        Out-sacked opponents, 28-4.

·        Outrushed opponents on average, 211.9 to 109.1.

·        Quarterback DJ McGarvie broke the program single season record for passing touchdowns (28) and Mark Arp eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing and Austin Jablonski surpassed 1,000 yards receiving.

·        Blew out all three in-state opponents – 45-10 over Doane, 42-6 over Hastings and 45-13 over Midland.

·        Program record eight First Team All-GPAC honorees.

·        Program record 23 NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

·        Four players named NAIA All-Americans by at least one major source: RB Mark Arp, DB Daylon Henson, WR Austin Jablonski and OL Blake Schlegel.

Eight Bulldogs honored with CSC Academic All-District football awards

January 7, 2025

A group of eight student-athletes from the Concordia University, Nebraska Football was honored on Tuesday (Jan. 7) by College Sports Communicators (CSC) as 2024 Academic All-District® Team selections. That number represents an increase from the four CSC Academic All-District awards the program raked in following the 2023 season. Repeat Academic All-District award winners include Jackson Anderson, Carson Fehlhafer and Austin Jablonski. The first time honorees are Mark Arp, Cohen Carpenter, Luke Penrod, Jaden Seier and Adam Van Cleave.

The 2024 Academic All-District® Football Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. Student-athletes must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in order to be nominated for this award. Nominees also had to meet specific requirements in terms of games played and games started during the 2024 season. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA — for each gender. Each school was allowed to nominate a maximum of eight student-athletes for football all-district honors.

2024 CSC Academic All-District Honorees – Concordia Football

Jackson Anderson | Sr. | OL | Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Major: Biology
Notes: Second CSC Academic All-District award; two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete; started nine games at center in 2024.

Mark Arp | Sr. | RB | McCook, Neb.
Major: Business Administration
Notes: First CSC Academic All-District award; rushed for 1,195 yards and 13 TDs in 2024; First Team All-GPAC; two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete.

Cohen Carpenter | Sr. | OL | Manvel, Texas
Major: Criminal Justice
Notes: First CSC Academic All-District award; Honorable Mention All-GPAC; NAIA Scholar-Athlete; started all 10 games at left tackle in 2024.

Carson Fehlhafer | Jr. | DL | Utica, Neb.
Major: Business Administration
Notes: Third CSC Academic All-District award (two in football; one in track & field); First Team All-GPAC; NAIA Scholar-Athlete in football and track & field.

Austin Jablonski | Sr. | WR | Lincoln, Neb.
Major: Business Administration (pursuing MBA)
Notes: Second CSC Academic All-District award; Two-time AFCA NAIA First Team All-American; two-time First Team All-GPAC; 76 receptions for 1,106 yards and 10 TDs in 2024.

Luke Penrod | So. | DB | Lincoln, Neb.
Major: Business Administration
Notes: First CSC Academic All-District award; NAIA Scholar-Athlete; 51 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 1 interception in 2024.

Jaden Seier | Jr. | DB | Kearney, Neb.
Major: Business Administration
Notes: First CSC Academic All-District award; two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete; 42 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 1 interception in 2024.

Adam Van Cleave | Jr. | Columbus, Neb.
Major: Accounting / Business Administration
Notes: First CSC Academic All-District award; NAIA Scholar-Athlete; 57 receptions for 652 yards and 6 TDs in 2024.

Student-athletes selected as CSC Academic All-America® finalists are denoted with an asterisk (in the CSC release) and will advance to the national ballot to be voted on by CSC members. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America® honorees will be announced on Jan. 28.