Courtesy of Midland Athletics
FREMONT, Neb. – Coming off an offensive outburst a week ago, Midland University had to earn everything they got on the gridiron on Saturday as they battle Hastings College in the annual Watchorn-McLaughlin Rivalry Game. The Warriors scored bookend touchdowns to prevail 14-10 in their Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) opener and retain the rivalry trophy for the seventh straight season.
On their opening drive of the game, Midland moved the ball deep into Hastings territory. Following a pass interference call that put the ball at the six-yard line, Garrison Beach hit Kalynd Coats on third down for the first-quarter score. Jared Quinonez’s point-after kick was true and the Warriors were up 7-0.
After exchanging interceptions midway through the second quarter, Hastings was able to tie the game with a touchdown strike from 62 yards out. John Zamora hit Toryian Tubbs in stride down the Broncos’ sideline with 9:20 on the first-half clock. Jason Bachle’s PAT was good and that is where things stood at the break.
In the third, Hastings’ defense turned Midland over again via an interception at the 32-yard line. On their ensuing drive, they moved the ball down to the 19-yard line before settling for a go-ahead field goal. Bachle connected from 35 yards out, putting the Broncos up 10-7.
Midland’s next drive also ended via a turnover, but the defense held fast to keep their deficit to three points.
After each team force the other to punt on their next three drives, the Warriors’ offense took advantage of great field position with just under 13 minutes to go in the game. Starting at the Hastings’ 48-yard line, Midland used their ground game to maneuver the ball to the 30.
On second down, Beach found Coats for a second touchdown on the day. Coats ran a double-move on the Warriors’ sideline pausing just a moment before sprinting past the defensive back. Beach’s throw was on target to give the Warriors the lead with 8:37 left on the clock.
Quinonez made it a four-point game with his 79th straight successful point-after kick.
The Broncos were unable to find the endzone on either of the final two drives. Their final chance was hindered by two quarterback sacks by Xavier Green of the Warriors.
“It didn’t look good through three quarters,” said head coach Jeff Jamrog postgame. “I knew if we could survive the third, and get into the fourth with the wind our chances were good. Give Hastings credit. They played really hard and they’ve got a really good defense. Their quarterback showed a lot of grit. He was able to scramble out and make some plays.”
“Other than one big play, I thought our defense played really solidly,” Coach Jamrog added. “Offensively, it wasn’t one of our better days. We’ve got to learn from today and get better. It is always great to get a win, especially in the GPAC.”
