Warriors Win Home Opener Against Chargers 35-20
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Briar Cliff (IA) (0-1) | 0 | 6 | 0 | 14 | 20 |
|
Waldorf (1-0) | 14 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 35 |
FOREST CITY, IA – The Waldorf football team opened their 2023 season with a home contest against Briar Cliff, a non-conference opponent for Community Night. The Warriors won 35-20.
"I am extremely proud of our young men for battling through adversity tonight," first-year Interim Head Coach Tyler Chapa stated. "Our staff did a great job preparing our guys for tonight. We are looking forward to keep on getting better."
The Chargers went three and out on their first offensive possession of the game forcing them to put. Waldorf's first drive also faced difficulties as they started from their own 15-yard line. Quarterback Jordan Cooper's (SR/New Caney, TX) pass attempts fell incomplete which resulted in the Warriors having to punt.
Briar Cliff regained possession and were able to get 13 yards in a series of plays, primarily passes and a few short rushes. The Waldorf defense, with Austin Erdmann (SR/Little Falls, MN) sacking the quarterback forced a turnover on downs.
Running back Jatoviay Hill (JR/Davenport, IA) responded with a 57-yard touchdown on the first drive of the series to give the Warriors a 7-0.
The Warrior's defense was able to stop the Chargers offense with nine yards in three plays, forcing them to punt. Cooper connected with his receivers, including a 30-yard rush by Taye Buchanan (JR/Vernon, AL). A pass interference penalty from the Chargers extended the drive. On 4th and goal, Cooper rushed in for a Waldorf touchdown.
The second quarter was marked by strong defensive plays and several turnovers. Waldorf started the quarter with a drive that led them to 4th down, which resulted in having to punt. The Warrior defense forced the Chargers to have to punt on their first drive of the quarter as well.
Waldorf's drive was cut short by an interception, giving possession back to Briar Cliff. The Chargers offense struggled to find its rhythm, facing incomplete passes and short gains. The momentum shifted as Hill broke free for a 49-yard rush. Waldorf managed to capitalize on the play, positioning themselves near the goal line but Briar Cliff's defense held firm, preventing the Warriors from scoring.
Briar Cliff forced and recovered a fumble which eventually turned into a Charger touchdown to close out the half. The Warriors were up 14-6.
Waldorf's first drive of the third quarter was stopped by Briar Cliff's defense, forcing to punt. The Warrior defense responded and came up big by stopping the Chargers from potentially tying the game at 4th and goal.
With just under two minutes left in the quarter, Cooper connected with Jorge Rivera (SO/Mason City, IA) for a 36-yard touchdown, extending the lead 21-6.
The fourth quarter began with Waldorf on offense, facing a 2nd and nine situation. After converting two first downs, the Charger defense forced the Warriors to punt. The Warrior defense had a three and out stop on the Chargers.
Waldorf's drive started from their own 17-yard line, with Hill contributing eight yards. Cooper was then sacked for a loss of 12 yards but bounced back for a 92-yard rushing touchdown.
Briar Cliff answered with a 77-yard drive which resulted in a touchdown, and the score became 28-13.
On Waldorf's drive, Hill rushed for 10-yards before scoring his second touchdown for 32-yards.
The Chargers took over on offense with limited time remaining and with a displayed sense of urgency, they scored their final touchdown. The Warriors won 35-20.
Cooper went 14-24 for 121 yards, rushed for 83 yards, and two touchdowns. Hill rushed for a total of 183 yards, averaging 12.2, and had two touchdowns. Connor Parker (SO/Stillwater, MN) went 5/5 on extra points. Exzavier Warner (JR/Hawley, PA) finished with five solo tackles and assisted on two, Erdmann assisted on eight, Kasen Handal (JR/Tomball, TX) and Will Stricklin (JR/San Diego, CA) assisted on five and six tackles respectfully.
The Warriors will travel to play St. Francis (Ill.) next week on Saturday, September 2nd at 1 pm before opening NSAA conference play on September 9th.
