College Football: Zach Debeltz’s punt return lifts Cobbers past No. 8 Willamette 24-17

Concordia-Moorhead scored 24 points in the first half and held off the eighth-ranked Bearcats late rally in the fourth quarter to win the opener 24-17.

 

Junior Zach Debeltz’s punt return 74-yards for a score with 18 seconds remaining before halftime provided the Cobbers with the winning margin. Debeltz also had two interceptions and a team-high 11 tackles.

 

Concordia outgained the Bearcats 265-229 in total offense with running back Justin Brantner the lead rusher with 69 yards. Andrew Larson was 6-for-14 for 98 yards in the air and also added 60 yards on the ground.
 

Willamette was led by tailback Deon Horne who rushed for 44 yards on 12 carries. Wide receiver Scott Schoettgen had four catches for 59 yards.

 

The Cobbers (1-0) travel to Valley City State (Valley City, ND) at 1:30 p.m. Saturday

 

Willamette University at Concordia-Moorhead on Sept. 5

Cobbers 24, Bearcats 17

WU 7 0 0 10—17

CC 7 17 0 0—24

First Quarter

WU—Cory Lowe 38 fumble recovery (Rowan kick) 14:11

CC—Justin Branter 1 run (Carl Hauser kick) 1:16

Second Quarter

CC—Andrew Larson 2 run (Hauser kick) 9:16

CC—Zach Debeltz 74 punt return (Hauser kick) 0:18

Third Quarter

No Scoring

Fourth Quarter

WU—Rowan 24 field goal 8:50