Defense creates four turnovers, Vikings defeat Falcons in season opener

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin forced four turnovers during an impressive season opening non-conference game, but it wasn't enough as North Park University scored 10 unanswered points in the third quarter en route to a 23-16 victory.

THE BASICS
Final Score: North Park 23, Concordia Wisconsin 16
Location: Tomasini Stadium (Mequon, Wis.)
Records: North Park (1-0), Concordia Wisconsin (0-1)
Note: The game was the fourth annual Military Day, which the Falcons organize to honor and say thanks to local Veterans.  

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Falcons struck first less than five minutes into the game with a 12-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Aaron Nixon (North Prairie, Wis.) to sophomore Kevin Folker (Milwaukee, Wis.). They gained possession after a fumble was recovered by junior Michael Ledesma (Glendale, Ariz.)
- North Park responded with 13 unanswered points, including a pair of field goals by Noah Moore, to go in front 13-7 with 13 minutes to play before halftime.
- Freshman Jacob Mason (Hartford, Wis.) kicked his first career field goal, a 27-yarder, to get the Falcons within 13-10 before halftime.
- Nixon found a seam up the middle and scored a 13-yard touchdown to push CUW in front 16-13 midway through the third quarter.
- Another Moore field goal (game-long 37 yards) and a T.D. Conway 27-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Turner on back-to-back possessions gave the Vikings all the points they would need.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- CUW had its opportunities to win the game, but could only accumulate 52 total yards in the final quarter. They punted twice on its first two possessions and turned the ball over on downs with 1:02 remaining in the game.
- It was the second-consecutive game in which the Falcons forced four or more turnovers, dating back to the 2014 season finale. They have now intercepted four passes and recovered seven fumbles in the 2014 season finale and the 2015 season opener.
- The Falcons did finish with a four minute and 32 second advantage in time of possession, but was dismal on third-down conversions by converting just 6-of-17 opportunities.
- CUW recorded seven pass breakups – all by different players – which is the most since October 4, 2014 when eight were recorded in a 47-20 victory over Concordia Chicago.
- Senior Aaron Krapfl (Anamosa, Iowa) and junior James Thomsen (Mount Prospect, Ill.) led the defensive efforts with eight total tackles, respectively. Senior Austin Kaatz (Pewaukee, Wis.) had a team-high three tackles for 14 yards of lost yardage and Thomsen led all players with two sacks.
- Nixon finished the game with 207 passing yards on 30-of-42 for one touchdown and an interception. He also had 63 rushing yards on 23 attempts and a touchdown.
- Folker saw his first action as a Falcon and hauled in six passes for 39 yards and a touchdown. Junior Dominic Saragaglia (Schaumburg, Ill.) also had six receptions for 37 yards.
- Senior Bathong Pham (Milwaukee, Wis.) led CUW with 141 all-purpose yards, which included 93 kick return yards on five attempts.

THE OPPOSITION
- Conway threw for 283 yards on 26-of-55 passing for one touchdown and two interceptions.
- Turner led the Viking receivers with six catches for 83 yards and a touchdown.
- Kvonte Spearman ran 12 times for a game-high 81 yards, including a long of 29 yards.
- Moore ended the game with three field goals (19, 30, 37), which is the most field goals made by an opponent kicker since September 18, 2010 when Tyler Funk of Carthage booted three (52, 29, 22).
- Brendon Dull led all players with 13 tackles (10 solo), while Chaun Maiava had 12 total tackles (nine solo). The Vikings defense ended the game with six sacks for 44 yards.
- Matt Difecchio had North Park's only interception, which he returned 36 yards near the end of the opening quarter.

UP NEXT
- The Falcons pack their bags for the first of a three-game road trip starting Saturday, September 12 at Augsburg for a 1 pm kickoff.