Box Score Morris, Minn. – The University of Minnesota-Morris Cougars (0-1, 0-0 UMAC) dropped the home opener to the Hamline Pipers (1-0, 0-0 MIAC) 37-31. Hamline took advantage of two Cougar interceptions in the third quarter to take a 23-14 lead after trailing 14-10 at halftime. BOX SCORE
 
Morris scored first with a six yard touchdown pass thrown from Derrick Foss to his brother Brendon Foss, but the Hamline offense answered immediately with a 73 yard touchdown run of their own. Morris' scoring drive would go seven plays, 39 yards at took 3:19 off the clock whereas HU's scored on the second play from scrimmage.
 
Morris would go up 14-7 after a five yard touchdown run from Leandro Dower. Hamline added a 25 yard field goal with :57 left on the clock to draw within three at 14-10.
 
In the third quarter Hamline put an end to the offensive silence scoring two touchdowns using a very balanced triple option offense.
 
The Cougars would bring the game within six with an early fourth quarter field goal by freshman Cameron Adel making it 23-17 with 14:46 left in the game.
 
Hamline quickly extended their lead with a 54 touchdown run by Kevin Ackerley, his third of the game at the 9:16 mark of the fourth. After a UMM fumble on the next possession Hamline a 1 yard touchdown on the play after the change of possession.
 
Morris made a late run, but it would prove to be too late. Dalton DeGraffenreid caught a seven yard touchdown pass from Derrick Foss to pull UMM within 13 at 37-24. UMM recovered the onside kick but the drive would stall as Dan Garrigan's pass was intercepted on the first play of the drive. The UMM defense forced a three and out to keep the comeback hopes alive. DeGraffenreid caught his second touchdown of the game, this time from 17 yards out with 12 seconds left in the game. It was Foss' third touchdown throw of the game. UMM tried the onside kick once more but would not be able to recover as Hamline held on for the 37-31 win.
 
The defense showed off its speed and tenacity causing two fumbles and recovering both of them in the first half. Sophomore linebacker Cody Hickman finished with a strong 13 tackles while Matt Zdrazil chipped in an additional 8 tackles.
 
On the offensive end Leandro Dower racked up 98 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. Both Cougar quarterbacks had a good day throwing the ball. Derrick Foss was 15-27, 217 yards, 3 touch downs and 1 interception. Dan Gerrigan was 10-24, 145 yards and 1 interception. Freshman receiver Dalton DeGraffenreid tallied 85 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
 
Morris remains home at Big Cat Stadium next Saturday Sept. 8^th for their UMAC match up against Martin Luther starting at 1:00 p.m. Last year's game between the Cougars and Knights turned into an offensive clinic for both teams with the Cougars edging out a 44-40 victory.