Falling behind 21 points at halftime proved to be too much to overcome, as Concordia Lutheran fell to Midland Christian 35-23 in the TAPPS Division II championship game Dec. 3.

The loss dropped the Crusaders to 14-1 on the year, easily surpassing the best previous season in school history.

Midland Christian managed to hold Concordia Lutheran’s vaunted rushing attack in check much of the first half, in building a 21-0 lead. Crusaders quarterback Nathan Potter managed to salvage some momentum, firing an 85-yard touchdown to Austin English.

Midland would answer just before the half, however, taking a 28-7 advantage heading into the locker room.

Potter then led the Crusaders to an early second half score, cutting the lead to 28-14 and looked for more. The Crusaders drove within sight of the Midland goal line as the fourth quarter began, but as running back Chance Gray closed in on what seemed to be a sure score. A Midland defender had other things in mind, however and stripped the ball from Gray just before pay dirt, stopping the Crusader drive.

The Crusaders were able to gain some momentum back, as they immediately forced a safety, cutting the lead to 28-16. Concordia immediately gave the momentum back though, when they didn’t cover the ensuing free kick, giving the ball back to Midland near midfield.

Midland immediately took advantage, moving in for a quick score and a 35-16 lead.

Potter found English on an 11-yard touchdown pass minutes later, but it was too little too late, as the Crusaders were forced to watch Midland celebrate their fifth state championship at the private school level.

Concordia had over 400 yards of total offense, yet three turnovers spelled disaster for the Crusaders.

The historic run did not go unnoticed, as eight Crusaders were given all-state honors in TAPPS Division II. First-team honors went to senior offensive lineman Chase Carpenter, senior running back Chance Gray and senior linebacker Cody Huffmeister. Senior offensive lineman Matt Nevins, senior defensive lineman Chris Syzdek and senior defensive back Jake Bahr received second-team honors, while senior defensive lineman Austin English and senior linebacker Seth Little received honorable mention nods.

Cutline: Senior Josh Amelunke reaches out to tackle a Midland Christian runner, in the second half of Concordia Lutheran’s 35-23 loss in the TAPPS Division II state championship Dec. 3.

Photo Courtesy dglsportsphotos.com

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