Broncos Force 5 Turnovers But Fall to Concordia

(Seward, NE) – Playing in their final road game of the season, the Hastings Broncos fell 42-6 to the Concordia Bulldogs on Saturday, despite forcing five turnovers.

On Concordia's first possession, the Bulldogs marched down to the Bronco 15-yard line, but freshman linebacker Dawson Kissinger forced a fumble and junior linebacker Jayden Roberts recovered it.

Freshman quarterback Cassius Campbell got the start at quarterback and he was able to drive the Broncos down to the Bulldog 42-yard line, highlighted by a 20-yard reception to junior tight end Jake Bargen. On a 3rd-and-5 play, however, Concordia forced an interception. 

Freshman defensive back Dion Tovar jumped the passing lane three plays later to get the ball back to the Broncos, but Hastings could not capitalize on the turnover.

Concordia was backed up at their own two-yard line, but they scored a touchdown in four plays, connecting on a 67-yard touchdown pass to take an early 7-0 lead.

After punts by both teams, Concordia's starting field position was once again inside their own 10-yard line. A fumble on the handoff and a recovery by senior linebacker Caden Egr set up the Broncos with their first redzone opportunity. They converted two plays later on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Campbell to senior wide receiver Ethan Wilborn on a crossing route, though the extra point was wide, keeping the score at 7-6.

The Bulldogs responded with a touchdown on their next drive to go up 14-6. After a three-and-out by the Broncos, Concordia had a chance to pad their lead, but junior defensive back Jason Olford intercepted a pass, coming up with the fourth Bulldog turnover of the half.

Concordia got the ball back later in the half and found the endzone just before halftime to take a 21-6 lead going into the break.

After intermission, the Bulldogs picked up a first down, but Roberts had a big sack to force a second-and-18. The sack paid further dividends, as junior Jake Lambert picked off the Bulldogs for the third time.

Hastings later pulled off some trickery on special teams in the third quarter. In punt formation on 4th-and-6 from their own 24, freshman punter Travon Shaw handed it off to sophomore Josiah Aldridge, who was able to pick up the first down. The Broncos picked up another first down on the drive, but threw an interception a couple of plays later.

Following the interception, Concordia converted on two fourth downs, then scored a touchdown on a 13-yard run to go up 28-6. On the first play of Hastings' next drive, the Bulldogs caused a fumble, giving themselves first-and goal from the Bronco 5-yard line. They ran it in a couple of plays later to go up 35-6 at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Concordia scored on their first possession on a 42-yard touchdown pass to take a 42-6 lead, which would end up being the final score.

Campbell finished the game 21 of 42 passing for 232 yards and a touchdown, while freshman Deven Brady had 20 carries for 48 yards. Wilborn led the team with six catches for 76 yards and a touchdown, while junior Eli Nappe had four catches for 51 yards. Kissinger led the team in tackles with 11, while Aldridge and Roberts had nine and eight tackles, respectively.

Hastings will host Mount Marty on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:30pm in the final game of their season. There will also be a senior day ceremony to recognize the contributions of the seniors on Saturday.