University of Minnesota Morris Athletics

MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris football team was defeated 52-19 by Concordia University Chicago in its season opener Saturday morning in Morris, Minn.
 
The Cougars started the game with the ball but were unable to move the chains on the opening drive. Concordia Chicago found the end zone on its first drive for the only score of the first quarter.
 
CUC extended its lead to 14-0 after starting its drive at the seven-yard line to open the second quarter. The lead grew to 28-0 less than five minutes into the second quarter. Juan "JT" Garza III returned a punt 69 yards to set up the Cougars nicely. Bryson Drake connected with Manny Guy for a 24-yard touchdown reception for the first UMM score of 2026. The PAT was no good.
 
The Cougars got the ball right back after a successful onside kick by Rylan Greene, who recovered the ball. UMM's drive would stall, turning the ball over on downs.
 
Another long return from Garza set the Cougars up at their own 42-yard line. During the drive, Sean-Keley Chinanga had three rushes, all for more than five yards. Drake found Guy in the end zone again to make the score 35-12.
 
On the first play of CUC's next drive, Dylan Young got to the quarterback and forced a fumble that Brennan Johnk recovered. It took only one play for the Cougars to find the back of the end zone, as Drake threw a pass down the middle to Jacob Wilmes, who went 40 yards for the touchdown. Greene converted the extra point, making the score 35-19 heading into halftime.
 
The Cougars were held off the board in the second half as Concordia Chicago grew its lead and went on to win 52-19.
 
Drake, Chris Ellert, and Hayden Charboneau all saw action at quarterback for UMM. Drake led the team with 192 passing yards and three touchdowns. Tyler Munson led the team on the ground with 32 yards, including a long of 23 yards. Chinanga totaled 24 yards. Five Cougars recorded at least one catch, with Guy pacing the team with 55 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Dylan Shafer and Trent Roden followed with 47 and 42 yards, respectively. Wilmes scored his first collegiate touchdown.
 
Defensively, Arian Saenz led the team with 13 tackles, including eight solo and five assisted. Derrick Dohmen followed with nine. UMM got to the quarterback twice, with Young recording a sack and Dohmen and Jesse Davies combining for one. Saenz and Young each caused a turnover, with Saenz recording an interception and Young forcing a fumble.
 
On special teams, Garza returned five kicks for 157 yards, including a 69-yard return. Trever Cockerill totaled 209 yards on six punts.
 
Minnesota Morris hits the road next week for a game at Mayville State University on Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.