The Briar Cliff football team battled the Hastings Broncos throughout the afternoon but came up short in a 21-14 home loss Saturday at Memorial Field.
The Chargers matched the Broncos through the first half, with both teams finding the end zone twice to head into the break tied at 14-14.
Hastings opened the scoring with an 8:17 touchdown pass, but Briar Cliff quickly responded. The Chargers put together a six-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a two-yard touchdown run from
Brock Saya to even the score at 7-7.
The Broncos regained the lead early in the second quarter with a 24-yard rushing touchdown. Briar Cliff answered with an impressive 17-play, 89-yard drive that took more than nine minutes off the clock. Saya connected with
Dyson Fay for a three-yard touchdown with 1:38 remaining in the half, sending the teams into the locker room tied at 14-14.
Hastings took the lead for good on the opening possession of the second half, connecting on a 62-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-14.
The Chargers continued to battle defensively, recording two interceptions in the contest.
Kyle Gibson picked off a Hastings pass in the third quarter, while
Dayton Harrell added an interception in the fourth. Briar Cliff's defense also recorded a sack, with
Ethan Dallen and
Alex Juarez combining on the play.
Offensively, Briar Cliff totaled 295 yards, including 130 rushing yards and 165 through the air.
Chase Thomas led the rushing attack with 79 yards on 17 carries, including a long of 29 yards. Saya completed 12 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown while adding 23 yards and a rushing score.
Through the air,
Ean Eldred led the Chargers with 56 receiving yards on three catches.
William Quintana added 31 receiving yards, while
Kymani Fleurme finished with 29 yards on two receptions. Fay recorded the Chargers' second touchdown of the afternoon.
Defensively,
Cameron Cayou led Briar Cliff with six total tackles, while Gibson,
Gavin Giles, and
Tegen Hoffman each recorded four.
The Chargers return to action Saturday, November 7 hosting the Concordia Bulldogs for Senior Day. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m.
#BattleOn
