Courtesy of Midland Athletics
HASTINGS, Neb. –Midland University battled Hastings College for the coveted Watchorn-McLaughlin Trophy on Saturday afternoon at Lloyd Wilson Stadium. For the second straight season, the Warriors claimed the rivalry trophy named in honor of longtime coaches for each school with a 24-9 victory.
Both defenses controlled the pace of the game in the opening quarter. The Broncos got on the scoreboard first when Colten Willmott kicked a 31-yard field goal with 2:22 remaining in the first quarter. The 11-play, 71-yard drive gave Hastings a 3-0 lead.
Midland responded with a similar drive that also resulted in three points. Payden Alexanderconnected on a 36-yard field goal with 10:40 left in the second quarter, capping a 12-play, 45-yard drive to tie the game at 3-3.
The Warriors took their first lead late in the first half. Quarterback Brodey Johnson scored on a 1-yard run, finishing off a 15-play, 85-yard drive that chewed up seven minutes, 37 seconds. Alexander’s extra point put Midland ahead 10-3, a lead the Warriors carried into halftime.
Hastings struck for a big play late in the third quarter. Jarrett Synek connected with Eli Nappe on a 48-yard touchdown pass with 2:59 remaining. However, Willmott’s extra-point attempt failed, and Midland retained the lead at 10-9.
Two Midland touchdowns in the fourth quarter sealed the win. With 12:42 left, Tyson Denkert scored on a 3-yard run, and Alexander’s PAT made it 17-9.
The Warriors then capitalized on a turnover. A Hastings punt return was fumbled, and Midland recovered at the Broncos’ 20-yard line with 4:35 remaining. Johnson connected with Kevin Adams Jr. on a 16-yard touchdown pass with 3:48 to play. Alexander’s extra point made it 24-9, which stood as the final score.
Midland recorded 18 first downs to Hastings’ 14. The Warriors ran the ball 42 times for 140 yards, while the Broncos had 27 carries for 63 yards. Midland completed 15 of 25 passes for 127 yards and one touchdown. Hastings connected on 16 of 28 attempts for 210 yards and one score. In total offense, Midland ran 67 plays for 267 yards, while Hastings had 55 plays for 273 yards.
Individually for the Warriors, Johnson completed 12 of 22 passes for 95 yards and one touchdown. Denkert rushed 23 times for 94 yards and one score. T.J. Covington caught four passes for 49 yards, and Adams Jr. hauled in one pass for a 16-yard touchdown.
For Hastings, Synek completed 15 of 26 passes for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Dalton Armbruster carried nine times for 40 yards. Jake Bargen caught six passes for 75 yards, and Nappe added three receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Midland was led by Brandon Lance with nine tackles. Beau Lacroix added four tackles, including two sacks for eight yards, plus a forced fumble, a pass breakup, and two quarterback hurries. Colin Vigil had three tackles and recovered the fourth-quarter fumble. Zayne Wilson added three tackles and an interception, while Carter Wagner and Dom Rohleder each recorded a sack.
For Hastings, Dawson Kissinger led all defenders with 11 tackles.
“We are excited about the Watchorn-McLaughlin Trophy staying in Fremont another year,” stated head coach Jeff Jamrog after the win. “It is our 9th win in the last 10 years against Hastings. Our guys played with great intensity and passion. I’m very proud of the players and the coaches. It was a true team victory with all three units doing some really good things. It was great to end the game with our defense making a huge stop! Hats off to our coaches who did a great job with our players this week! This win gives us confidence as we prepare for week two of the GPAC.”
Midland (1-1, 1-0 GPAC) will host its home opener on Saturday, Sept. 13, against Waldorf (0-2, 0-2 GPAC). Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Heedum Field in Fremont, Nebraska.
