The Cougars came into this early season match-up 1 point underdogs to neighbor and rival Concordia and came away with a resounding 41-13 victory at Concordia Friday night. 

The Black Swarm defense played a bend but don't break strategy, allowing 300 yards but only 13 points while the Cougar Offense continued to roll with 41 points behind a very balanced attack. 

JP Tillman paced the offense with timely runs and big plays through the air while Isaiah (Missile) Castillo ran for a solid 92 yards behind the Offensive Line that is becoming the story of season.  The Hogs up front graded out at around 80% as a unit and paved the way for an excellent offensive performance.   

Northland got things started with a 44 yard kickoff return by Matt Krob and then methodically pounded the ball downfield, scoring on a short sneak by JP Tillman.  Concordia answered with a solid drive of their own and it was 7-7.  Houston Terry then made the defensive play of the game with a forced and recovered fumble at the Crusaders 25 where the Cougars did more of the same with Tillman going in from the 2. 

The Black Swarm held on the next series and Tillman hit sophomore Brendan Green down the sideline as he out-jumped 2 defenders and raced to the endzone for a 68 yard TD.  First Quarter ended 21-7. 

The second quarter was uneventful until the last play, when the Crusaders struck paydirt on 4th down to end the half 21-13.   

The Black Swarm made some half-time adjustments and shut down the Concordia attack in the 2nd half.  A 74 strike from Tillman to Krob on Northland's 2nd play pushed the lead to 28-13.  Krob then covered the kickoff returner at the 14 and the Black Swarm got a turnover on the next play.  Two plays later, Castillo used his vision to weave through the right side for a 15 yard TD and just like that it was 35-13. 

There was no other scoring until Garrett Van Dyke pounded over from the 1 with 2 minutes remaining to make the final 41-13.    

The Cougars have an open date this week and play host to Second Baptist on 9/17 for their first home game.  Should be a good one.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

— OFFENSE —
PLAYER:  Allen Williams
PLAY : Tillman to Krob 74 yd TD on second play of 2nd half
HIT: Ryan Ellis

— DEFENSE —
PLAYER: Matt Schulte
PLAY: Houston Terry forced and recovered fumble on sweep
HIT: Garrett Van Dyke

— SPECIAL TEAMS —
PLAYER: Mike Ellisor
PLAY: Matt Krob tackle on kickoff at the 14 yd line
HIT: Kickoff Team

— CHEERLEADER OF THE WEEK —
Amy Baker