Mustangs move past first half struggles

FREMONT, NEB. – It was a slow start for the Mustangs as Morningside traveled to Fremont, Neb. to play the no. 17 Midland University Warriors in Great Plains Athletic Conference football. In fact, the Mustangs trailed 12-10 heading into the halftime break before blanking their opponents in the second half, 47-12.

Morningside got on the board first, as Joe Dolincheck found Austin Johnson for a 77 yard strike. It would turn out to be the only touchdown scored in the first half, as both teams' offenses sputtered through the first half of play.

The Mustangs would go on to rack up the score in the second half, with Johnson recording a pair of additional touchdown receptions. Ryan Cole got across the line on the ground, and Cooper von Seggern blocked a punt and returned it 25 yards for a score. Chase Carter recorded 11 points, with two field goals and five extra points.

Joshua Miller recorded 12 total tackles, including two quarterback sacks to lead Morningside's defensive efforts, proving to be a vital force in shutting down the home team's rushing attack. Jalen Portis made his return known, with eight tackles, including two for losses.

The Mustangs are back in action next week, as Hastings College is at Elwood Olsen Stadium for homecoming on Oct. 7 at 1:30 p.m.