Football runs over Crusaders in non-conference victory

WATERTOWN, Wis. – Andrew Gatz had a career day rushing the football to lead Concordia University Wisconsin to a convincing 70-14 non-conference victory on Saturday over Maranatha Baptist Bible College.

The Falcons scored on their first 10 possessions and led 35-0 after the first quarter and 49-7 by halftime. In all, they ran 65 times for 423 yards and five touchdowns. CUW also passed for 122 yards and three touchdowns before ending the game with 545 total yards of offense.

The game was a showcase for CUW's offense, but its defense also played well, holding MBBC (1-4) to 138 total offense yards and forcing them into 10 punts. Senior Widchero Cherident (Fort Myers, Fla.) and freshman James Thomsen (Mount Prospect, Ill.) each recorded a sack for the Falcons.

Gatz (sophomore, Adell, Wis.), who was on the scout team a week ago, shinned when his number was called on upon. He carried the ball 20 times for 169 yards and a touchdown – all career highs. He wasn't the only one who had a career day, as sophomore Brandon Martin (Milwaukee, Wis.) rushed 15 times for 69 yards.

Junior Shay Klitzke (Annandale, Minn.) also ran 10 times for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Austin Damaschke (Bristol, Wis.) finished the game 10-of-14 for 122 yards and three touchdowns.

After the Falcons built a commanding 35-0 lead after the first quarter they pulled the starters and played nearly everyone who made the hour trip.

Ethan Kennon led the Crusaders with 27 total tackles (11 solo, 16 assist), while Shane Saxson had 12 tackles and Jordan Dersch finished with 10 tackles.

Brandon McCormick connected with Joel Kobosh for a 22-yard touchdown, while Clayton Morrison returned a 93-yard fumble for a Crusader score.

CUW returns to the gridiron on Saturday, Oct. 19 when it travels to Concordia University Chicago for a 1 p.m. NACC matchup.