The Briar Cliff football team fell in Seward, Nebraska Sunday to Concordia, 35-23.
 
Concordia's offense took the field on the Briar Cliff side of the field twice in the first quarter, scoring both times after a short punt and an interception. On third-and-long Brock Saya and Cory Carignan connected on an 80-yard pitch and catch for the Chargers first touchdown of the game.
 
The Charger defense got off the field quickly on the next CUNE drive, forcing a three-and-out. BC entered the Bulldog red zone on the ensuing possession but would stall out on fourth and three. Concordia took a 21-7 lead at half following a 14-play, 92-yard drive that took nearly seven minutes off the clock.
 
The Bulldogs put together another extended drive, calling 16 plays for 66 yards. With first and goal from the three-yard line, the Charger defense made a defensive stand, forcing a turnover on downs after stuffing the Bulldogs at the goal line. Jacob Myers pulled the Chargers within 11 points after connecting on a 32-yard field goal.
 
Looking to turn the momentum, the Charger special teams came through with a blocked punt that was scooped up and scored by Aaron Okoro. The punt was blocked by Jesse Hastings, but after a failed two-point conversation BC still trailed by five.
 
Concordia made two big plays in the fourth quarter to keep the Chargers at bay with a 68-yard touchdown reception and a 75-yard TD run. Saya completed 4-of-5 passes during the Chargers fourth quarter scoring drive. Okoro scored his second touchdown of the game on a 17-yard reception from Saya.
 
Saya completed 9-of-15 passes for 179 and two touchdowns. Gavin Dobson went 5-for-17 for 65 yards. Carignan hauled in five passes for 102 yards and a TD, while Okoro had three catches for 49 yards. Matthew Mason was held to 22 yards on the ground, but contributed in the passing game with three catches for 43 yards.
 
Angel Nava-Esparza led the Cliff with 13 tackles and 1.0 tackles for a loss. Brayden Pommier-Williams had 12 tackles and Jason Freeman had 10. Gooy Tip, MJ Montgomery and Lakey Martin all registered a sack.
 
 Myers went 2-for-2 on PATs and connected on his only field goal attempt of the game.
 
Briar Cliff will kick off a three-game homestand next Saturday when they host Doane at Memorial Field. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.