RIVER FOREST, ILL. — Concordia University Chicago football kept the fans entertained today at Concordia Stadium, hosting the Finlandia University Lions. Never taking their foot off of the gas, the Cougars were able to lead 24-0 going into the half. Finlandia was able to get a touchdown late, but CUC was able to cruise to a 45-7 win. This game marks the most scored points in a Cougar game since 2016.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- DeAndre Daniels (San Diego, Calif.) led the offense with 131 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.
- Charles Kirtley (Channelview, Texas) had the longest touchdown for the Cougars with a 66-yard fumble recovery.
- Finnian Allers (Atlanta, Ga.) was 15-for-21 throwing the ball for 177 yards and one rushing touchdown.
- Travon Thomas (Wauchula, Fla.) led the dominating defensive pack with ten tackles. Martin Egbo (Williamsburg, Va.) was right behind him following with nine total tackles on the day.
- The Cougars defense had a staggering five sacks for the game.
The energy was high early in River Forest, as the Cougars came out early to score against the Lions. After a bit of movement down field, Ryan Auer (Newark, Ohio) was able to score first for the Cougars with a 45-yard field goal. For the sophomore, this ties his longest career field goal from last season. The CUC defense locked down early, keeping the Lions out of CUC territory for a majority of the first half.
CUC was able to find the end zone late in the first quarter, getting a 48 yard touchdown run from Daniels. Daniels second touchdown of the season made it 10-0 CUC.
Finlandia looked to grab momentum early in the second by picking off an Allers pass. However, the CUC defense was able to respond, gettina a sack from Thomas to put an end to the Finlandia drive. Christian Covington (Corinth, TX) was able to have a 22-yard return off the punt to put CUC in a good position. Allers closed off the drive himself with a one yard rushing touchdown, making it 17-0.
The momentum truly came into the Cougars favor as Daniels had another dazzling touchdown. This time for 43-yards as he blazed through defenders left and right.
Coming out of the half with a 24-0 lead, Concordia's momentum only continued to soar as Brendon Baugh (Tamarac, Fla.) intercepted Finlandia's pass. Brandon Montford (Fairburn, Ga.) also continued to take down the Lions as he had another sack before giving the ball back to the Cougars. Blake Henson (Potosi, Mo.) took his opportunity for a close rushing touchdown to help drive the Cougar lead up even more.
With Troy Pratley (St. Joseph, Mich.) now behind the wheel, he delivered on a pass to E'derian Sykes (Lake Village, Ark.) for another touchdown. Charles Kirtley (Channelview, Texas) took advantage on a fumble, racing away with a 66-yard return, for a touchdown, extending the CUC lead to 45-0.
Finlandia picked up a late touchdown, but it was much too late as CUC closed out the 45-7 win.
The Cougars will have another home game this coming Saturday against Aurora University to start conference play. Opening kick-off will be held at 1 p.m. at Concordia Stadium. You can find links to coverage at cucougars.com/coverage. You can also keep up with the team on Twitter and Instagram @CUCFBFamily.