Defense makes a statement in victory at Rockford

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Concordia University Wisconsin shut down Rockford on Saturday afternoon, to help a sputtering Falcons offense during a 15-7 victory at Sam Greeley Field. It was the best defensive performance of the season, creating three turnovers on downs and scoring a safety.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 15, Rockford 7
Location: Sam Greeley Field (Rockford, Ill.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 3-4 (3-1 NACC), Rockford 2-5 (0-3 NACC)

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Following a poor punt by Rockford, the Falcons marched 42 yards down the field in five plays which resulted in a 29-yard pass and catch from Aaron Nixon to Adam Brown. It was Brown's first career receiving touchdown. The ensuing extra point was missed to give CUW a 6-0 lead with 1:45 to play in the opening quarter.
- The Regents answered with six minutes before halftime when Adam O'Malley connected with Joe Breeden for a 69-yard touchdown to push the hosts ahead 7-6.
- Nixon found Derrick Estfan for a 12-yard passing touchdown midway through the third quarter to give the Falcons a 13-7 advantage in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference game.
- From then on the offenses stalled and the punters went to work. However, CUW's Kevin Kern made what can be argued as the game's biggest play with a safety after tackling Rockford's Chance Manning in the end zone. The defensive play gave the Falcons a 15-7 lead.
- CUW's defense stood tall during the final two Rockford possession, forcing a punt and a turnover on downs.
- Nixon (sophomore, North Prairie, Wis.) finished 27-of-40 passing for 257 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw a pair of interceptions and was sacked three times, but did rush for 20 yards.
- Senior Andrew Gatz (Adell, Wis.) led all players with a career-high 103 yards rushing on 14 attempts (7.4 yard average).
- Freshman Ryan Wagner (Mukwonago, Wis.) hauled in six passes for 45 yards, while junior Dante Edwards (Glendale, Ariz.) had a career game with five receptions for 60 yards. Sophomore Kevin Folker (Milwaukee, Wis. had five receptions and Estfan finished with four catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.
- Freshman Jacob Mason (Hartford, Wis.) punted five times for 230 yards (46.0 average) and had a 52 yard punt. He also kicked off three times for 183 yards (61.0 average).
- Defensively, junior James Thomsen (Mount Prospect, Ill.) and junior Michael Ledesma (Glendale, Ariz.) each had eight total tackles. Ledesma also recorded career best with 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup. Sophomore Damon Mull (Hampshire, Ill.) added six total tackles, including a career high 2.5 tackles for loss. Junior Austin Mugnai (Streamwood, Ill.) forced his first career fumble and broke up a pass.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Neither team performed particularly well on third-down conversions, with the Falcons finishing just 4-of-13 and the Regents ending with 4-of-14 successes. CUW was also 2-of-5 on fourth-down conversions and Rockford was 0-of-3.
- It was the first time this season the Falcons failed to force a turnover and are now -3 in total turnover margin. They turned the ball over a season-high four times (two interceptions, two fumbles).
- It was also just the second time this season CUW has outgained the opposition in total offense. The Falcons amassed 383 total offensive yards and limited the Regents to 233.
- The defense has forced at least one fumble in eight-consecutive games, dating back to the season finale of last season.
- The last time CUW forced a safety was during a 47-20 victory over Concordia Chicago on October 4 of last season. It was the third safety recorded by the Falcons during the NACC era and they won each of those contests.

THE OPPOSITION
- O'Malley finished 9-of-25 passing for 158 yards and a touchdown. He was also sacked twice and ran for four yards.
- Tre Hatchett led the running attack with 39 yards on 15 attempts, while Manning had 28 rushing yards.
- Mar Sean Vercher hauled in three passes for 45 yards and Breeden caught a pair of passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.
- Michael Krieter led all players with 11 total tackles (seven solo) and Reggie Haynes had 10 total tackles (seven solo). Krieter also had 2.0 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and an interception. Josh Nelson registered nine total tackles (six solo), including 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack. Dominique Campbell picked off the second Regents interception.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- CUW begins a three-game homestand to finish the season with a 1 pm NACC game against Lakeland at Tomasini Stadium on Saturday, October 31.