The Briar Cliff football team fell 37-8 Saturday afternoon to No. 1 Northwestern at Memorial Field.
 
"I'm extremely proud of how hard our team battled, but we didn't make enough plays to win today," said head coach Shane LaDage. "Northwestern is a very good team, and they executed better than we did. The film will show that we had plenty of opportunities to cut the scoring gap, and we're excited to get back to work as we head into homecoming week. I hope Charger Nation shows up and supports our program as we continue to get better every week."
 
The Charger defense was the first NAIA team to hold the explosive Red Raider offense under 40 points and forced two turnovers. The two turnovers were forced fumbles by Angel Nava-Esparza and both were recovered by Tim McCarthy.
 
The Chargers scoring drive was an eight play, 77-yard drive that ended in a Jaiden Aavery-Stowers touchdown. Brock Saya converted a two-point conversion to John Bell to make it a two-possession game, 24-8, with 12:38 left in the fourth quarter. Northwestern's Konner McQuillan iced the game with a pair of long touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
 
Briar Cliff forced a three-and-out on the Red Raiders opening drive, but the Red Raiders scored a TD on five of the next eight drives.
 
Brayden Pommier-Williams led the Blue and Gold with 10 tackles and Nava-Esparza had eight. Pommier-Williams, Tulsa Janish and Tim McCarthy recorded pass breakups.
 
Brock Saya was efficient against a stout Red Raider defense completing 20-of-27 pass attempts for 188 yards and a touchdown. For the fourth straight game, Cory Carignan led the Cliff in receiving with four catches for 53 yards. Kyle St. Pierre added five receptions for 46 yards.
 
The Chargers will return to Memorial Field to close out their three-game homestand. BC hosts Dakota Wesleyan for a 1:00 p.m. Homecoming kickoff.