Midland University football edged by Hastings College, 15-7

FREMONT, Neb. – In a battle for the annual Watchhorn/McLaughlin Trophy, Hastings College edged Midland University at Heedum Field, 15-7. The Warriors were held to just 286 total yards of offense on Saturday afternoon by the Broncos.

In a game led by both team's defenses, Hastings used a third quarter pick-six for the game-winner score over Midland. The two teams combined for 10 punts and six turnovers on the afternoon. Kelly McBride's third quarter interception of Warrior quarterback Raul Alvarez was the Broncos' lone touchdown of the game and gave Hastings a 12-0 lead.

After a defensive stalemate in the first quarter, Hastings got on the board with a pair of field goals in the second quarter to take a 6-0 lead into halftime before the costly interception and touchdown followed early in the third quarter. Nick Giaffoglione went 3-for-5 in field goal opportunities for the Broncos, and extended the Hastings lead to 15-0 midway through the fourth quarter before the Warriors finally broke through.

Midland got on the board in its final possession of the fourth quarter with Zack Couey in under center for the Warriors. Hayden Dunn caught three passes from Couey on the final drive, finishing in the end zone on a 35-yard pass to make it a 15-7 game. Dunn recorded his second 100-yard receiving game of the year, finishing with 113 yards on five catches and one score.

Trailing by eight points with one minute remaining in regulation, the Warriors attempted on on-side kick but were unable to recover and Hastings took a knee to secure the road victory.

Midland had its best chance at points late in the third quarter after a Bronco interception deep in their own territory, but the Warrior drive stalled near the red zone and they turned the ball over on downs. Midland was only able to cash in points on one of three Hastings turnovers.

Brock Dunn led the Warriors defensively with 14 total tackles, including 1.5 for a loss and a forced fumble. Nick Hayes and Mason Amundson each intercepted a pass in the Midland backfield on Saturday.

The Warriors fall to 1-8 (1-6 GPAC) while Hastings moves to 3-5 (2-5 GPAC) after the rivalry-game victory.

Midland will host No. 2 Morningside College in its final home game of the 2015 season next Saturday at Heedum Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in Fremont, Nebraska.