Concordia senior linebacker leads defensive charge in victory
However, it failed to mention another key adjective of the Cobbers’ senior linebacker – deceptive.
Sannes fooled the Moorhead State offense the entire first half of the Cobbers’ 17-7 victory over the Dragons Saturday in the Crystal Bowl at Jake Christiansen Stadium. Playing the position of rover behind Concordia’s defensive line, Sennes and the rest of the Cobbers’ defense held the NCAA Division II Dragons to just 39 yards of total offense and a single first down in the first 30 minutes of play.
In the meantime, NCAA Division III Concordia used excellent field position to score two quick touchdowns and take a comfortable 14-0 lead.
"(Sannes) lined up in a different spot every time. It’s hard to account for him with the blocks when he does that," said Dragons quarterback Pat Elmes.
Moorhead State expected Sannes and the rest of the Cobbers’ defense to be a bit more stationary. The Cobbers usually play a standard 4-3 defense, according to the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Sannes. But with him roaming loose behind the line, Sannes and company gave Elmes a different look on nearly every snap.
"(Concordia’s) coaching staff did a great job," Elmes said. "They had a great scheme that kept us off guard."
Sannes and free safety Eric Stenehjem finished with eight tackles each. Defensive tackle Jeff Gronner led the Cobbers with nine stops.
"My job was to key on Elmes," said Sannes. "It worked well until they figured out to block me."
Elmes was also sacked twice by Sannes for a total loss of six yards.
"Ryan Sannes a was a menace out there today. He was a key to stopping their running game," Concordia coach Jim Christopherson said.
Moorhead State, which finished second to North Dakota State in the NCAA Division II national rushing rankings last year, went into the locker room with 31 rushing yards to its credit. The Dragons’ deepest offensive penetration came early in the first half when they moved to ball to their own 37-yard line.
"Our running game is our offense. We try to pass to complement the run," said Dragons receiver Nate Middleton. "If we can’t run, something’s got to change."
Middleton’s 51-yard pass reception with 6:05 left in the third quarter set up the Dragons’ only touchdown. The long strike was the first time the Dragons reached Cobbers’ territory.
However, when the momentum seemed to be switching to Moorhead State’s side on the ensuing drive, Elmes lofted the ball right into the arms of Sannes, who returned the interception to the Dragons’ 27-yard line 17 seconds into the fourth quarter.
"They just made a good play out of a bad pass," said Middleton.
Moorhead State wound up with 219 yards of total offense. Of that, 131 came via the pass.
"If we’re going to win this season, we’re going to have to run the football," Elmes said.
Taking a risk
Moorhead State’s first two drives went awry in a big way.
The first ended with a botched punt attempt, and the second was halted when Elmes’ short pass to Wade Lewandowski fell short on fourth-and-two. The Cobbers took over on the Dragons’ 37, and, like Concordia’s first drive, marched the short distance for a touchdown.
"I can’t second-guess myself," Micheli admitted. "If we throw the ball correctly ... the guys wide open. I look like a genius."
Poor field position haunted Moorhead State the whole game. Twice the Dragons started drives inside their own 5.
"The first couple of plays and the bad snap – that was a change in momentum for them. We just lost momentum," Middleton said.
Holding their own
One of Micheli’s biggest concerns heading into Moorhead State’s 75th meeting with Concordia was his defense. The Dragons returned just two starters from last year’s squad, which finished 7-3.
Despite the loss, Micheli’s mind was apparently set at ease a bit. The Moorhead State defenders allowed 299 yards of total offense but kept the Cobbers’ offense out of the end zone on all but two occasions. Both those scores were on drives of just 36 and 37 yards.
"We were in the hole a bunch," Micheli said. "The defense played outstanding."
One-man show
Middleton was by far Elmes’ favorite target against the Cobbers. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound receiver caught four passes from Elmes for 131 yards.
However, Middleton was the only receiver with a reception, catching all four of Elmes’ completions. The senior quarterback finished 4 of 18 passing with three interceptions. He was the Dragons’ leading rusher with 47 yards on 17 carries. Halfback Grover Moore had 35 yards rushing on 14 attempts.
Smashing debut
Concordia running back Dan Steinbeisser made his first career start. His performance was impressive.
Steinbeisser ran for 151 yards on 27 carries. The 6-foot, 185-pound senior also caught three passes for 18 yards.
"The offensive line really opened up the holes for me," Steinbeisser said. "It feels really good to finally get out there and play hard."
Christopherson was impressed with Steinbeisser’s performance. He said Steinbeisser is only going to get better.
"He would even be crisper," Christopherson said. "But he missed some time because of an injury. You could tell he was tired."
Friendly competition
The rivalry between the Cobbers and the Dragons brings out the highest intensity from both teams. But Concordia senior wide receiver said neither team got chippy.
"They’re a classy team," Langemo said. "It was the classiest Moorhead State team I’ve played against. There was a lot of sportsmanship out there today. It was nice to see."
Injuries
Concordia starting linebacker Jamie Aanenson injured his foot on the first play from scrimmage and didn’t return to the game. The 6-3 junior, who was making his first start, might have fractured a bone. ... Cobbers strong safety Chris Johnson left the game late in the first half with a knee injury and did not return. His status for next week’s game is not known. ... Moorhead State suffered no serious injuries to any of its players.