College Football: Adrian, Siena Heights fall in heartbreakers
ADRIAN — The Adrian College football didn't have the same energy it did in its previous four wins and had the streak come to an end with a 27-21 loss to Trine in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play.
The Bulldogs (4-2, 1-1 MIAA) had miscues on offense, defense and special teams, which cost them the Black and Blue Border Brawl trophy against the Thunder (5-1, 1-1 MIAA).
Adrian's offense was held to 245 yards, quarterback Aaron Jenkins threw a pick and fumbled, the Bulldogs gave up a touchdown on a fumble return and gave up a big punt return and kick return to setup Trine touchdowns.
Still, Adrian had a chance late thanks to the defense, which held the Thunder to 222 yards of total offense and had an interception of its own. But the offense couldn't take advantage of the defense's gifts.
Top Performers
Adrian
Ashmon Waides: 8 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1 sack
Steven Moses: 94 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns
Kyle Minder: 7 tackles, 3.5 for loss
Coach Thoughts
Jim Deere, Adrian: We made way too many mistakes. Kick game mistakes, turnovers, those are the things when you're evenly matched that beats you. That's what happens.
Up Next
Adrian: 5 p.m. Saturday vs. Kalamazoo
Concordia 23, Siena Heights 16, OT
ADRIAN — Siena Heights has had some tough losses over the past few seasons, but few will be as tough to swallow as Saturday’s overtime loss to Mid-States Football Association Mideast rival, Concordia.
The Saints led 16-0 after a 31-yard touchdown run by Jamon Benson with 7:49 left in the third quarter and were seemingly in control of the game.
Less than a minute later, however, Concordia’s offense struck big with a 48-yard touchdown pass from Cody Wallis to Donovan Johnson, then connected on a two-point conversion to pull within 16-8. Midway through the fourth quarter, Concordia hit paydirt again, this time on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Smith to Seeger DeGayner. Once again, the Cardinals converted the two-point attempt, tying the game with 6:13 left in regulation.
Both teams had drives stall in the final minutes. SHU’s defense stopped Concordia on a fourth-down play with just under two minutes left, but Siena Heights couldn’t capitalize.
In overtime, Concordia started with a 5-yard run. On second down, Smith completed a 20-yard touchdown to DeGayner and Concordia took the lead for the first time of the day.
Siena Heights (2-3, 1-1 MSFA Mideast) got the ball at the 25 for its overtime possession. A first down pass from Hayden Lehman to Sam Cousino was good for six yards, then Lehmann ran for seven yards for a first down. After a 4-yard run by Bobby Poalewski, Lehmann threw three straight incompletions to end the game.
Top Performers
Siena Heights
Anthony Secchi: 3-3 field goals from 25, 33 and 46
Kole Murlin: 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, a pass break-up, a forced fumble and fumble recovery
Jamon Benson II: 106 yards rushing, 1 touchdown
Coach Thoughts
Matt Kohn, SHU: You can't have the mental lapses that we had today. This is college football. We have to make teams beat us instead of beating ourselves.
Up Next
Siena Heights: 1 p.m. Saturday at Madonna
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Adrian, Siena Heights fall in heartbreakers
