Falcons drop non-conference matchup against Hope

HOLLAND, Mich. – Concordia University Wisconsin was not able to overcome a well-balanced Hope football team as the Falcons fell to the Flying Dutchmen 48-13 in the MIAA/NACC Challenge series.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Hope 48, Concordia Wisconsin 13
Location: Smith Stadium (Holland, Mich.)
Records: Hope (1-2), Concordia Wisconsin (0-3)

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Falcons fell behind early as Hope was able to find the end zone twice in the first quarter off a pair of rushing touchdowns from running backs Chris Leigh and Jared Ropp.
- Hope added another touchdown just before the half but CUW finally got on the scoreboard as time expired in the second quarter on a 26 yard touchdown reception by sophomore Kevin Folker (Milwaukee, Wis.).
- Coming out in the second half Hope added another touchdown midway through the third quarter off another rushing touchdown by Leigh but the Falcons would answer later in the quarter on a three yard touchdown run by sophomore quarterback Aaron Nixon (North Prairie, Wis.).
- CUW would not find the end zone for the rest of game but the Flying Dutchmen would find the end zone three times in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- The Flying Dutchmen were able to sack Nixon seven times on the afternoon compared to the Falcons one sack.
- Sophomore defensive back Albert Goerlitz (Withee, Wis.) led CUW with five total tackles for the game.
- Hope was six of seven on redzone conversions compared to the Falcons who were one of four on red zone conversions.
- Folker led CUW with 94 yards receiving, a new career-high, on seven receptions.  He also pulled in his second touchdown of the season.
- Senior running back Andrew Gatz (Adell, Wis.) had the longest rush of his career off a fake punt for 39 yards.

THE OPPOSITION
- Leigh rushed for 82 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Flying Dutchmen.
- Quarterback Rob Kish was 20-of-35 passing for a game-high 305 yards and two touchdowns.
- Matt Kroll led all players with 138 receiving yards on 11 receptions and also added a touchdown.
- Jacob Pardonnet led Hope with eight tackles and also had three sacks.
- The Flying Dutchmen's defense picked off CUW twice in the second half and did not commit one turnover the entire game.

UP NEXT
- The Falcons have a bye week next week but return to action Saturday, October 3 at Concordia Chicago to begin NACC play.