Fourth-ranked Morningside took advantage of Northwestern’s mistakes in the fourth quarter to capture a 20-17 win at DeValois Stadium.
The Mustangs put up the first points of the game on the opening possession with a field goal, but the Raiders responded with sophomore James Rodriguez clearing the crossbar for a 51-yard field goal to tie it up. Next, junior quarterback Jayme Rozeboom found fellow sophomore Tyler Walker on a crossing pattern through the middle, and Walker took it to the endzone for a 29-yard score to make it 10-3.
Morningside found the end zone next, but junior Paul Lundgren got a hand in the way of the extra point to preserve the Raider lead 10-9. The NW defense made the next big play as sophomore Ethan Lensch sacked the quarterback, and sophomore Nate Fischer pounced on the loose ball to give the Raiders excellent field position. Senior Taylor Malm hit pay dirt from six yards out to put NW up 17-9. A field goal by the Mustangs to close out the half made it 17-12.
The NW offense sputtered in the second half, and after Morningside returned a punt for a touchdown and converted the two-point conversion, the Mustangs had the lead once again, 20-17, with 3:45 left in the contest. The Raiders set themselves up to tie the game with a Rodriguez field goal attempt, but Morningside blocked it and took over on downs.
The Raider defense found a way to force a turnover on downs of their own, but the last chance was squandered by a controversial fumble.
The Raiders have a week off then play at Dordt on October 16th.
