Football drops high-scoring contest to Augsburg in home opener

MEQUON, Wis. – The offense was on high display as nearly 1,200 combined total offensive yards were accumulated on Saturday between Concordia University Wisconsin and Augsburg College at Tomasini Stadium. The Falcons had a late opportunity to earn a comeback win, but the Auggies had other plans in a 55-45 decision.

There were six lead changes in the non-conference game, which featured two of the best quarterbacks in the country – CUW's Austin Damaschke and AC's Ayrton Scott. The difference down the stretch was the Auggies' touchdown drive that covered 13 plays, 83 yards and took five minutes and 25 seconds off the clock, giving them a 49-45 advantage.

CUW (1-1) was threatening to answer with a scoring drive of its own, but a miscommunication led to an interception near the goal line with 46 seconds to play. AC was attempting to run the clock out, but Scott busted free for an 82-yard touchdown run to put the game out of reach.

Despite the score, there were many positives for CUW.

Damaschke (senior, Bristol, Wis.) set the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference career record for passing touchdowns and passing yards after finishing the day 33-of-50 for 450 yards and five touchdowns. His passing yards set a career high and his touchdown throws tied a career mark. Damaschke's passing yards also set the program's single game record.

Senior wide receiver Garrett Wenzelburger (Hartland, Wis.) set the NACC and CUW career record for receptions after hauling in 13 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns. His receiving yards set a new program single game record and was a new career high, and the three touchdowns receptions tied a career mark.

Sophomore Derrick Estfan (Phoenix, Ariz.) continues to become a favorite target for Damaschke with eight catches for a career-high 113 yards and his first career touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball, sophomore Bryan Thomas (Lowell, Ind.) impressed everyone with a career game after making 18 tackles, 11 solo and seven assisted. Junior Shannon Smith (Brandon, Fla.) intercepted a pass and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown, the third of his career.

Junior Austin Kaatz (Pewaukee, Wis.) set a new career high for tackles for the second-straight game after recording eight total, five solo and three assisted. Junior Aaron Krapfl (Anamosa, Iowa) also did the same for the second-consecutive game, setting a career best for total tackles with nine (eight solo and one assisted).

CUW set a new single game record for pass completions (33) and passing yards (450).

The Falcons fell behind by 13 points midway through the second quarter before taking the lead, 23-21, following a 32-yard field goal by senior David Gonzalez (Pembroke Pines, Fla.). AC scored twice, but CUW answered with a pair of its own touchdowns. Following Estfan's touchdown reception, the Falcons led 45-42 with 8:27 to play in the game.

The Falcons return to play on Saturday, Sept. 20 for a non-conference NACC/MIAA Challenge game against Albion College at 1 p.m. at Tomasini Stadium.