The Charger football team fell 29-22 to the visiting Mayville State Comets in the season opener Saturday evening at Memorial Field.
Mayville State opened the game with a 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown from Darnell Green, giving the Comets an early 8-0 lead.
The Chargers responded with a pair of first-quarter touchdowns. Terrance Topete rushed for a seven-yard touchdown before Matt Donovan found the end zone on a four-yard rushing score, putting Briar Cliff ahead 13-8.
Mayville State regained the lead in the second quarter, but the Chargers answered with Brock Saya connecting with Chase Thomas for a 41-yard touchdown. Briar Cliff took a 19-15 lead before the Comets scored with three seconds remaining in the half to take a 22-19 advantage.Â
Mayville State extended its lead with a touchdown early in the third quarter. Sveinung Torring later connected on a 42-yard field goal to bring the Chargers within seven at 29-22.Â
Kael Forsyth and Cameron Cayou led the Charger defense with 11 tackles apiece. Dayton Harrell added five tackles, while Tegen Hoffman recorded a blocked punt in the fourth quarter.Â
Saya finished 18-for-29 passing for 245 yards and two touchdowns, while Thomas led the receiving corps with five catches for 70 yards and a touchdown. Dyson Fay added 37 receiving yards, while Michael Hensley recorded 33 yards on two receptions.Â
On the ground, Thomas carried eight times for 28 yards, while Topete rushed seven times for 14 yards and a touchdown.Â
The Chargers return to action next Saturday evening heading to Yankton, SD taking on Mount Marty for the Catholic Cup. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 pm.
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