Concordia escapes with 24-7 win over Pipers

The Cobbers (5-0, 4-0 in the MIAC) fumbled 10 times in the game, losing eight of them, with six coming in the first half. The Piper defense forced three fumbles inside the Hamline red zone in the first half to keep the score close.

Concordia took the lead with 4:50 left in the first quarter on a Kevin Williamson 25-yard touchdown run. Williamson ended the day with 20 carries for 111 yards and two scores.

Cobber wide receiver Eric Rodel added a 37-yard touchdown grab with 3:55 left in the second quarter to make it 14-0 at the half.

Hamline (2-3, 1-3) cut the lead in half with 5:55 left in the third quarter. After a Rodel fumble stopped a Cobber drive, Hamline went 58 yards in six plays.  The drive was capped by an Andrew Seymour quarterback sneak to make it 14-7. The score was set up by a 29-yard pass from Seymour to first-year Mike LaBore to the Cobber 1-yard line.

The Cobbers would fumble again on the ensuing possession, but the Pipers couldn't cash in.

Concordia would put the game away in the fourth. On their first possession of the period, Concordia went 57 yards in nine plays, finished by Williamson's second score of the day - a 1-yard dive.

Kicker Brian Halverson added a 22-yard field goal for the game's final tally. Halverson became the Cobbers all-time leading scorer, surpassing current head coach Terry Horan.

Hamline was outgained in the contest 447-214, but the Cobbers had eight turnovers. The Pipers came into the game, forcing 4.5 turnovers per game - the best in the MIAC.

Cobber quarterback Brian Schumacher rushed for 85 yards on 18 carries. He also went 9 of 17 passing for 155 yards and a score. Rodel caught seven passes for 135 yards and a touchdown.

Seymour went 12 of 26 passing for 104 yards for Hamline. He was also intercepted twice. First-year Jack Madryga rushed for 37 yards in 15 carries. LaBore caught three passes fro 57 yards.

Linebacker Mark Halley had 16 tackles for the Cobbers with a sack and interception. Hamline's Tyler Schultz has 11 stops. He forced one fumble and recovered two others.

Hamline will next play at Augsburg on Saturday. Kick off is slated for 1:00 p.m.