Mustangs clinch sole possession of GPAC title with win over Concordia

SEWARD, NEB. – Morningside football secured sole possession of the 2022 Great Plains Athletic Conference championship title today following a 55-18 win over Concordia University. The title is Morningside's 12th consecutive and 13th overall.

Luke Johannsen's outing didn't go quite to plan, with his first drive resulting in an interception. The freshman would have three passes intercepted in his second start of the season. 

Fortunately Morningside's defense stood strong and Jon Andreasen returned the favor, picking off a Concordia pass. The drive would result in a Chase Carter field goal, giving the Mustangs a lead that they wouldn't look back from.

Morningside would grow its lead on its ensuing play, with Ryan Cole recording one of his four rushing and five overall touchdowns. Cole's scores came in succession spread out over the first three quarters of play.

In the fourth quarter, Johannsen hit Michael Payne for a 10-yard touchdown strike for the second passing touchdown for Morningside. K.J. Williams rushed for the Mustangs' final score of the game, taking the ball in from 21 yards out.

Andreasen led Morningside's defense, pairing his interception with eight solo tackles and two assists. Jalen Portis and Ben Chelsvig each had seven total tackles. Jonah Kollbaum recorded two sacks for a combined loss of 15 yards. 

Morningside awaits the announcement of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Football Championship Series field, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13.