Morningside falls at No. 1 Northwestern

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – The Mustangs jumped out to a 13-0 lead on No. 1 Northwestern, but the Red Raiders were able to weather the storm and defeat No. 3 Morningside 34-20. 

Ryan Cole had rushing touchdowns of four and two yards to give Morningside a two touchdown lead with 11:12 to go until halftime. Northwestern responded with a pair of touchdowns on back-to-back possessions to tie the game at 13, but a 61-yard dash from Lennx Brown gave the Mustangs a 20-13 halftime lead.

Northwestern had a pair of big runs for scores to take a 27-20 lead. Morningside had a couple of opportunities to respond, but with 1:57 to play, the Red Raiders scored a touchdown on a fourth down pass to make it a two-score lead that the Mustangs couldn't overcome.

Brown had 78 passing yards in the snowy conditions, and added 99 yards rushing and a score. Ryan Cole added 17 rushes for 81 yards and two scores. Drew Sellon had two catches for 44 yards.

Defensively, Isaac Pingel totaled 14 tackles, one for a loss, and had a blocked kick. Lonell Boyd Jr. added six tackles, one for a loss, an interception, and a blocked kick.

Morningside returns to action Saturday against Dordt. The Mustangs and Defenders are set for a 1 p.m. kick. It is also senior day for the Mustangs.