Pipers fall 21-3 to Concordia in Homecoming game

The Pipers’ (2-3, 0-3 in the MIAC) forced a fumble during the opening drive.  Linebacker Russ Flaten forced Concordia’s Jesse Nelson to fumble on Hamline’s 36-yard line for the first turnover of the game.  Senior Brody Anderson recovered the fumble for an 8-yard return.

Concordia (2-3, 2-2 in the MIAC) started the scoring halfway through the first quarter.  Jesse Nelson put the Cobbers up 7-0 with a 9-yard run.

The Pipers got on the board on their next drive.  Senior receiver Jeff Hanger started the possession with a ten yard grab.  Two plays later, junior Brandon Johnson made a leaping catch amidst triple coverage to give the Pipers another first down.  Hanger and sophomore Brent Nelson each caught 11-yard passes to put the Pipers into field goal range.  The Pipers capped the drive with a 30-yard field goal by Kyle Milburn. 

Both teams remained scoreless for the remainder of the first half, giving the Cobbers a 7-3 lead at the break.

Concordia came out firing in the third quarter with two quick touchdowns.  The first score came on a 4-yard run by Jesse Nelson for his second score of the game.  The Cobbers took a 13-6 lead after missing the extra point attempt.  Five minutes later, Adam Swingdorf broke a tackle en route to a 47-yard touchdown run.  A successful two-yard conversion gave the Cobbers a 21-3 lead.

The Pipers held a 154-129 advantage in passing yards, but were held to -5 yards rushing.

Piper quarterback James Leary completed 16 of 26 passes for 154 yards.  Junior Andrew Seymour led Hamline in catching yards, recorded four catches for 45 yards.  Will Winters added 22 yards rushing on nine carries.

Anderson led all Pipers with nine tackles to go along with a fumble recovery, while Jordan Below added eight tackles.