Mustangs trample Tigers in senior day rout

Photo by Alena Peters, Morningside Sports Information Intern

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – The Mustangs celebrated senior day today the only way that they know how, with big offensive numbers and stingy defense, manifesting itself in a 58-3 final score as Morningside defeated Doane. 

What started out as a shaky start for freshman quarterback Luke Johannsen, with an interception on his first pass attempt, turned into a very solid first start, filling in for the injured Joe Dolincheck. Johannsen ended up throwing for 293 yards and two touchdowns following the interception.

Austin Johnson became Johannsen's go-to target, with the two connecting on 10 occasions for 125 yards, with a long of 27. Zach Norton had six catches for 91 yards and was on the receiving end of both passing touchdowns.

In the backfield it was Ryan Cole that came in clutch when Morningside needed a few yards, as he averaged 9.5 yards on his 18 carries, including a long of 60 yards. Cole found the endzone on three occasions on the afternoon. K.J. Williams jumped up the depth chart to slide into the second running back slot, with five carries for 27 yards and a score. Williams also had 19 receiving yards.

On special teams, Chase Carter was good from 39 for a field goal while going 7-of-8 on extra points on the day. Michael Payne added to the scoring column with a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown in one of his two return attempts.

Isaac Bower headlined the Morningside defense, which held Doane to less than 175 yards of total offense, with seven total tackles. Josh Miller and Weston Schultz each followed with six. Schultz had two sacks for a total loss of 12 yards on the day. Gage Haake had a third sack for Morningside, knocking the Tigers back eight yards.

The Mustangs recorded three interceptions on the day, with Lonell Boyd Jr.'s being the big one. Boyd returned his pick 39 yards for a score, while Dijion Walls and Caden Ochsendorf each had a takeaway to shut down Doane scoring drives.

Morningside, having secured at least a share of the Great Plains Athletic Conference title for the 12th straight time, is on the road next week, playing Concordia University in Seward, Neb.