Warriors Struggle Against #12 Coyotes

Sterling, Kan.-Sterling played host to the #12 Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes Saturday night. The Warriors knew they would have to play great football in order to compete with the top teams in the conference. The Coyotes were in control from their first possession as they beat the Warriors by a score of 49-0.

The running game was effective for KWU as they put together a 60-yard opening drive. The Coyotes ran the ball 5 times in their 6 plays. The only big play was a 28-yard scamper by Mark Benjamin on the TD run.

On the ensuing kickoff, Drew Ellis continued making his presence known on special teams as he brought the ball back 52 yards giving the Warriors a great starting field position as the KWU 43. Sterling looked to get things going in the passing game early completing their first two passes. The drive ended up stalling at the 32. With a brisk north wind in their face, the Warriors opted to punt. Freshman punter Mason Cobb kicked the ball to the 12 where it was downed. Sterling was looking to play the field position game after that possession.

KWU drove the ball right down the field and the Warrior defense tightened up with the ball just outside the Warrior 30. Sterling stopped a QB run at the 26, forced an incompletion and caught the Coyote QB for back-to-back sacks by Hunter Pullen and Coban Honey, one of which was on fourth down causing a turnover on downs.

Sterling had a quick 3 and out. Kansas Wesleyan was relentless coming after the punter all night in special teams and on this kick they got to the ball. Ricco Moore for KWU blocked the ball and it was picked up and returned 20 yards by Rhadarious Loma for a Coyote TD. The rest of the first quarter, Sterling was not able to get any offensive rhythm going. KWU was able to put one more score on the board in the first quarter making the score 21-0 after the first quarter of play.

The Coyote offense worked more methodically in the second quarter sustaining one scoring drive of nearly 5 minutes before ending with another score. Sterling tried to stick with the Coyotes but they proved to be too much. At the half, Sterling was down 35-0.

Sterling made some adjustments to slow down KWU and the Coyotes turned to their running game in the second half. KWU put together a scoring drive in each the third and fourth quarters making the final score 49-0.

Penalties and turnover cost the Warriors some field position in the game, but the Sterling was overmatched by the #12 team in the country.

Quarterback, Daniel Jackson, went 8-24 for 95 yards and 1 interception. Daniel Doriscar was once again the workhorse for the Warriors running the ball 18 times for 67 yards. David Timmons had 2 receptions for 65 yards, one of which was 61 yards after making a great catch and run in front of the Warrior's sideline to start the fourth quarter. TC Smith recorded the most receptions (5) for 22 yards. Drew Ellis made his presence known once again on special teams taking 5 kickoff returns 138 yards, the first of which was a 52 yard return.

Defensively for the Warriors, Hunter Pullen made his presence known against the 12^th ranked Coyotes. Pullen had 14 total tackles for Sterling including a sack and 3 tackles for loss. Deven Rogers had an interception with a 25 yard return.

Sterling will take next Saturday off and return to the turf on September 24 against Tabor College. Tabor is currently 2-1 with close wins over Iowa Wesleyan and McPherson. The game will be played in Smisor Stadium at Sterling College. Game time is 6 pm.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.