SAINT PETER, Minn. - The 2024 Gustavus football season came to an end Saturday at Hollingsworth Field with a 17-13 loss to Concordia in the MIAC third place game. The Gusties finish the year 5-5 overall and 4-4 in the conference for fourth place.
The Cobbers scored on their opening drive with a 24-yard field goal for the early lead. The Gusties stalled at midfield on the ensuing drive, but
Taylor Stroh intercepted a pass as the Cobbers were in the red zone. The Gusties responded with a 12-play drive, ending on a 28-yard field goal by
Jack Sieben to tie the score 3-3 at the end of the first quarter.
Gustavus forced a three-and-out on the opening drive of the second quarter, but a muffed punt was recovered by the Cobbers at the Gustie 31-yard line and led to a touchdown run six plays later for a 10-3 Cobber lead.
The Gusties cut into the deficit at the end of the half as Sieben made his second field goal, this time from 25 yards out, and the Cobbers lead was 10-6 at half.
The third quarter went scoreless and it wasn't until there was 4:12 left in the game until the next points were scored. Following a Cobber punt for a touchback,
George Sandven found
Caden Kleinschmidt sprinting down the middle of the field and connected for an 80-yard touchdown, giving the Gusties their first lead at 13-10. The Cobbers answered on their next play, though, going 66-yards in seven plays for a 17-13 lead.
The Gusties had an opportunity to regain the lead on their last drive of the game, but came up short.
Concordia out-gained Gustavus 320-269 in total yards. Sandven completed 23-of-36 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown. Kleinschmidt was the top target with nine catches for 136 yards and a score.
River Wood led the ground game with 13 carries for 59 yards. As he has done all season,
Carson DeKam led the defense with 10 tackles, including a sack fumble.
Tanner Domschot and
Jack Klug had nine stops each.
