Augsburg runs to victory over Football in season opener

MINNEAPOLIS – Augsburg College ran for 246 yards en route to a 41-20 season-opening victory over Concordia University Wisconsin on Saturday at Edor Nelson Stadium. The Falcons trailed 14-7 at halftime before the Auggies took control in the second half of the non-conference matchup.

The first half was a back-and-forth contest with the statistics nearly identical. AC (1-0) scored a pair of touchdowns prior to CUW (0-1) putting its first points on the scoreboard. Sophomore Austin Damaschke (Bristol, Wis.) connected with senior Erik West (Plymouth, Wis.) for an 8-yard pass and catch play with just over two minutes to play in the second.

The final 30 minutes of the game were a different story, as the Auggies owned a 153-17 total yard advantage and held the Falcons without a first down in the third quarter. AC tallied three-consecutive scores – two passing TDs in the third and an interception return for a TD to start the fourth – to push its lead to 35-7.

Points were traded in the final quarter, but the contest had already been decided. Auggies quarterback Scott Ayrton converted broken plays and rushed through big holes, and finished with 294 total yards – 155 rushing – and three passing touchdowns.

Damashcke ended the contest 15-of-22 for 160 yards and two touchdown passes, but threw two interceptions. Senior Carlton Austin (Kingsford Heights, Ind.) ran for 65 yards on eight carries in the opening half, while Damaschke rushed for 36 yards on 10 carries.

Last year's team leader in touchdown receptions, sophomore Garrett Wenzelburger (Hartland, Wis.), hauled in a team-best six passes for 86 yards.

Senior Matt Upson (New Berlin, Wis.) led all players with 15 tackles, three solo, and a half sack, while junior John Palese (West Bend, Wis.) added eight total tackles.

AC defeated CUW last season 34-31 in Mequon, Wis. Both teams were chosen to finish seventh in their respective conferences.

The Falcons return to action on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Macalester College.