Offense explodes in victory at Benedictine

LISLE, Ill. – Concordia Wisconsin's offense exploded for 630 total offensive yards on Saturday afternoon during a 48-40 shootout victory at Benedictine. The Falcons scored two touchdowns in three of the four quarters during the NACC opener for both teams.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 48, Benedictine 40
Location: The Sports Complex (Lisle, Ill.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 3-1, 1-0 NACC; Benedictine 0-4, 0-1 NACC

HOW IT HAPPENED
- It was only a matter of time before the Falcons offense all found a rhythm all on the same day and Saturday was the case, as they compiled 630 total offensive yards (220 rushing, 410 passing) and seven touchdowns.
- The game was within a touchdown either way until the fourth quarter when junior Jake Riportella (Des Plaines, Ill.) hauled in a 78-yard passing touchdown from senior Aaron Nixon (North Prairie, Wis.) to put the visitors in front 41-32. Another touchdown five minutes later off a Nixon 1-yard touchdown plunge gave the Falcons a 48-32 lead that was enough to settle the nerves.
- What has become the norm for the Concordia Wisconsin offense was the same with Nixon connecting with senior Josh Sanders (Phoenix, Ariz.) for two touchdown scores, while Sanders had a career game with 223 receiving yards on seven receptions. Riportella also caught a 16 yards touchdown pass and finished his day with five receptions for 149 yards.
- Freshman Josh Turner (Palatine, Ill.) got in a groove early and carried the rock 23 times for a career-high 175 yards. He had a long of 60 yards and averaged 7.6 yards per carry. Nixon added three touchdown runs and 45 rushing yards to his credit, while also completing 16-of-31 passes and had four scoring throws.
- Freshman Cameron Kohler (Westlake Village, Calif.) and sophomore Dwayne Rackard III (Orlando, Fla.) had outstanding games with 13 total tackles each. Kohler also had 1.5 tackles for loss and shared a sack. Sophomore Justin Dunlap (Henderson, Nev.) and sophomore Troy Stewart (Trevor, Wis.) each had 10 tackles.
- Freshman Josiah McDermit (Kansasville, Wis.) broke up a career-best four passes and sophomore Brandon Hargis (Henderson, Nev.) intercepted a pass in the first quarter.

GAME NOTES
- The 48 points are the most scored since putting up 49 twice during the 2016 season, of which, the Falcons lost one of those games 51-49 at home to Benedictine.
- In the second half Concordia Wisconsin scored on four of its seven drives and had three in a row to begin the final 30 minutes of play.
- Sanders now has three consecutive games with at least 179 receiving yards.

THE OPPOSITION
- Josh Williams rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown; while Nick Sternad had two rushing scores, completed 27-of-46 passes for 334 yards and threw three touchdowns.
- Brandon Moore hauled in five passes for 112 yards and touchdowns, while Williams also had a touchdown reception.
- Scottie Bobeck had a team-high 11 tackles to go along with a sack, while Jack Drummond tallied 10 tackles, four tackles for loss and a sack.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- Concordia Wisconsin hosts Lakeland on Saturday, October 6 at 1 pm in a battle for the Cheese Bowl. It will also be Family Weekend and the annual Military Day game.