The Briar Cliff football team secured their first win of the season 19-16 over Hastings Saturday night at Memorial Field. The Chargers scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback win.
 
"So many guys stepped up in key moments tonight! I can't begin to describe how proud I am of our team," said head coach Shane LaDage. "Our defense played a complete game and our offense never flinched and made plays when they mattered most. I'd also like to send a special thank you to Kristy Sandman for all she's done for our program, our department, and our entire University!"
 
Trailing 16-6 to begin the fourth quarter, the Chargers completed a nine-play, 72-yard drive with an eight-yard passing touchdown from Brock Saya to Aaron Okoro. The touchdown was set up by a 32-yard completion to Steven Whiting that put BC in the red zone. A PAT by Jacob Myers made the score 16-13 following Okoro's second touchdown of the night. Okoro also scored the first touchdown of the night on a fourth and goal in the first quarter.
 
With just under eight minutes left in the fourth, the Charger defense came away with their third turnover of the night to flip the field and momentum. MJ Montgomery strip sacked the Bronco quarterback, and the fumble was recovered by Carlos Lopez giving BC the ball on the Hastings 28-yard line.
 
On fourth and goal from the one-yard line, Johnny Bauser faked a QB keeper and completed a jump pass at the line of scrimmage to Whiting for a Charger touchdown. The Chargers would take a 19-16 lead with just under six minutes remaining.
 
Looking for a game winning or tying drive, the Broncos put together a 15-play, 43-yard drive. Eli Nappe completed 5-of-10 passes in the drive and moved the Broncos into field goal range on the BC 17. Carlos Lopez and Chase Brown capped off an impressive second half effort from the defense with a game altering sack on third and 11. The sack pushed the Broncos back to the 26-yard line, and on a game-tying field goal attempt, the Broncos would miss right.
 
After giving up 16 points in the second quarter, the Charger defense responded with a shutout in the second half while only giving up 99 net yards in the final two quarters.
 
The Chargers made big plays of defense when they needed them most. As the Broncos were knocking on the door in their first drive of the second half, Zach Buick picked off Nappe in the endzone. Following a 41-yard Bronco completion, Tulsa Janish would come away with the interception in the endzone to keep Hastings scoreless.
 
Saya completed 9-of-13 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. Gavin Dobson and Bauser also recorded passing touchdowns. Matthew Mason rushed 28 times for 53 yards.
 
Cory Carignan caught two passes for 51 yards with a long of 41. Aaron Okoro hauled in a team high five catchesfor 24 yards and two TDs.
 
Montgomery led the Cliff with seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss a forced fumble and 1.0 sacks. Pat Gassant Jr. had six solo tackles.
 
The Chargers will visit Seward, Nebraska next Saturday for a meeting with Concordia. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.