Homecoming game sees passing record fall

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Saturday's homecoming football game was one for the history books, as Morningside set Hastings aside in a 70-17 shellacking. During the contest, Joe Dolincheck set a new record for single game passing touchdowns and Austin Johnson moved to the no. 3 spot on Morningside's all-time receiving yards list, eclipsing Beau Kildow, a 2022 M Club Hall of Fame inductee who was recognized at halftime.

The Mustangs' defense took the field first, having deferred to receive the ball in the second half. Quickly forcing a three-and-out, Morningside's offense went to work, covering 82 yards in four plays, culminating in a Dolincheck to Zach Norton touchdown with Chase Carter's extra point splitting the uprights. The home team had a lead that it wouldn't look back from.

Another short Hastings drive and a 21-yard Michael Payne punt return later, Dolincheck found an open Austin Johnson for back-to-back catches, adding to the home team's column on the scoreboard, completing the scoring drive in just one complete iteration of the play clock.

It was more of the same on Morningside's next drive, as on the second play, Dolincheck found Johnson again, connecting for 73 yards and an easy score, making the score 21-0 after Carter's kick.

The Mustangs' fourth score of the day came through the air, via a Dolincheck-Norton connection for 44 yards. It would be Morningside's final score of the first quarter, with Morningside setting up in the Hastings red zone as time expired.

Flipping ends of the field, it was Dolincheck to Johnson again, scoring on the first play of the quarter to give the Mustangs a 35-7 advantage over the Broncos. 

Morningside would continue with scores by Joshua Simmons and Michael Payne before Dolincheck would find Johnson again for the quarterback's record-setting toss, resetting a record that was previously held by Ian Gilworth and has stood since the Oct. 11 game against Hastings in 2008. 

Dolincheck would take the field for two possessions in the third quarter, with neither resulting in scores. Player substitutions would continue throughout the quarter, with Hastings getting in a touchdown while Morningside was content to let the clock run. 

In the fourth quarter, the Mustangs continued to work the clock, with Bryson Freeberg and K.J. Williams chipping away at the line to gain on successive rushes. Luke Johannsen managed the offense, in in place of the starter, Dolincheck.

Dolincheck's aerial assault resulted in 454 yards and eight touchdowns, collecting 256 completions on the day. Austin Johnson was on the receiving end of four scores, with 258 yards. Payne had 86 yards and one touchdown, Norton had 84 yards with a pair of scores, and Simmons had 43 yards and a touchdown.

Ryan Cole had 68 yards out of the backfield, on 14 attempts. Bryson Freeberg netted 61 yards on 12 carries. Williams had three carries for 10 yards, recording the only touchdown on the ground in the game.

The Mustangs are back in action on Oct. 15, playing at Jamestown at 1 p.m.