The Briar Cliff football team battled Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon at Joe Quintal Field, falling 37-3 to the Tigers in GPAC action.
Dakota Wesleyan opened the game with three first-quarter touchdowns, taking a 21-0 lead. Jed Jenson connected with Caleb Kilbride for touchdowns of 43 and 35 yards, while Sean DeBlieck added a 19-yard touchdown reception.
The Chargers' defense settled in during the second quarter, holding the Tigers scoreless and creating a pair of key turnovers. Jackson Reblitz recovered a fumble after sacking Jenson, while Dayton Harrell came up with an interception in the final minute of the half to keep Dakota Wesleyan off the scoreboard.
Briar Cliff put together one of its strongest offensive drives of the afternoon late in the second quarter, marching 57 yards on 11 plays. The Chargers reached the Dakota Wesleyan 20-yard line before the Tigers came up with a sack on fourth down to end the drive.
Dakota Wesleyan extended its lead in the third quarter with a 75-yard touchdown run from Landon Iverson, followed by a 22-yard field goal and a four-yard rushing touchdown from Jenson.
The Chargers continued to fight through the fourth quarter, putting together a 69-yard, 13-play drive in the final minutes. Sveinung Torring capped the possession with a 34-yard field goal as time expired to put Briar Cliff on the board.
William Quintana led the Chargers on the ground with 73 yards on 10 carries including a 21-yard run, while Chase Thomas added 51 rushing yards on 18 carries.
Through the air, Brock Saya completed 14 of 30 passes for 133 yards, while Ezra Heiner led Briar Cliff with three receptions for 32 yards. Michael Hensley added four catches for 28 yards.
Defensively, Tegen Hoffman turned in a team-high 14 tackle, while Cameron Cayou recorded 11 tackles. Harrell finished with four tackles and two interceptions, giving him multiple takeaways in the afternoon.
The Chargers return to action Saturday, October 3 hosting Waldorf for homecoming. Kick-off is set for 1 pm.
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