The Trinity Bible College Lions (3-6) were defeated 13-59 by the University of Minnesota-Morris Cougars (5-4) on Thursday evening. It was a very tough, cold game but the Lions were able to come away with some positives. The Lions’ offense racked up 376 yards in the game while freshman Cole White recorded 24 tackles!

   The game didn’t start well as the Cougars took the opening kickoff to the house for an early 7-0 lead. Morris would score three more times in the second quarter to take a 28-0 lead. The Lions’ were able to gain some rhythm on offense but couldn’t get into the end zone. But then, with 1:14 seconds left in the 2nd quarter freshman Jason Elliot scored a touchdown on a 44 yard run. This cut the score to 28-7 after Christian Troxler tacked on the extra point.

   The second half wouldn’t get much brighter for the Lions. After a Cougar touchdown expanded on the lead, Jason Elliot would connect with sophomore Joel Sandoz for a 68 yard touchdown! The reception was the longest touchdown play of the year for the Lions. But that was the last time Trinity would get into the end zone as the Cougars would go on to win the game by a final score of 13-59.

   “I think the cold got to us a little bit,” Coach Morgan said. “We had a short week of practice and couldn’t get things going. Morris executed in all of the right areas. It was a very clean game with only four penalties called all game. We really need to get to the point where we can compete with schools like the University of Minnesota-Morris, but tonight we couldn’t get it done. Now we have to flip the switch and focus on Bottineau to see if we can end this year on a high note and a four win season.”

   Defensively, Lions’ freshman Cole White recorded 24 tackles, five tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles. Freshman Jose Casanova had 9 tackles and one sack. Ryan Wolfenden and Marcus Bartels each had 7 tackles while Bartels also had an interception in the game. Defensive Coordinator Garst had this to say about Cole’s game: “It’s just amazing watching this kid play. What he does on that field is just un-real. But it doesn’t surprise me because of his heart, talent, and determination; you just come to expect greatness from him.”

   Offensively, Trinity compiled 376 yards of offense. Sophomore Joel Sandoz had 5 catches for 108 yards and a score to become the first 100 yard receiver of the season. Freshman Lars Hedlund had 3 receptions for 29 yards. Jason Elliot was 9-27 passing, for 142 yards, a touchdown and two picks. He also led the Lions in rushing with 14 carries for 78 yards and a score. Seth Peterson rushed for 41 yards on 10 carries as well.

   Next for the Lions, they will travel to Grand Forks, ND to play their final game of the season against Dakota College @ Bottineau on Thursday, November 11th at 5pm. The Lions have won the both previous matches against the Lumberjacks this season.