Warriors Pick Up Win Over In-State Rival Doane

CRETE, Neb. – Midland University’s defense set the tone early with a first quarter score as the Warriors picked up a big Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) at Doane University on Saturday afternoon. Midland (5-3) limited the Tigers to just three points, winning 28-3 over their in-state rivals.
After exchanging a pair of non-scoring drives, the Warriors defense found the end zone after Jake Farrell forced a Tigers’ fumble that Warren Thomas scooped up and rumbled 35 yards for the first score of the game. Jared Quinonez’s point-after kick was good to put Midland 7-0 just past midway through the opening quarter.
On the Warriors’ next offensive possession they added to their lead as River Walker connected with Dalton Tremayne for a 69-yard score with 2:27 left in the first. Quinonez’ kick was true again making it 14-0.
In the second, Doane would hit a 20-yard field goal to cut into the Warriors lead. That would end up being their only points on the day as Midland’s defense snuff out any chances they had going forward. For the game, the Tigers were held to just 161 yards of offense, 10 first downs, and converted only 5 of 19 third-down attempts.
Midland’s offense had an average day with 327 yards of offense and 15 first downs. The Warriors had trouble on third downs going just 6 for 18 on the afternoon.
Holding onto an 11-point lead, Midland would find the end zone and stretch the game to a three-score lead just before halftime as Walker used his legs for a 5-yard touchdown run with 3:10 left on the clock. They would take a 21-3 lead into the halftime locker room.
In the third the Warriors’ ground game struck again as Brandon Blum carried the ball in for six points. Quinonez’ PAT capped off the 11-play drive that covered 50 yards. That would be the last score of the game for both sides as the defenses tightened over the final 21-plus minutes.
Midland (5-3) will be back in action one more time this fall as they host Concordia (4-3) next Saturday in Fremont, Nebraska. Kickoff between the Warriors and Bulldogs is set for 1:00 p.m. at Heedum Field. Prior to the game, the 2020 Senior Class will be recognized.