NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Carleton College football team (2-2, 1-1 MIAC) was unable to overcome an early deficit in its homecoming game against Concordia College-Moorhead (3-1, 2-0 MIAC).
 
The Knights trailed early, then were able to close the gap behind a pair of second-quarter field goals by Marcus Merkelbach. The halftime score of 10-6, in favor of the visitors, held until late in the third quarter when the Cobbers converted a fourth-down pass for a touchdown. Concordia was able to score two more times on their way to a final score of 31-6.
 
The first points of the game came on the Cobbers' second possession, on a drive that started at the Knights' 47-yard line after forcing a punt. After marching down to the 15-yard line, the defense of the Knights forced the Cobber field goal unit to take the field. The kick was good from 35 yards giving Concordia an early 3-0 with 5:19 to play in the first quarter.
 
The Knights were unable to gain a first down on their next possession, leading to their third punt of the contest. The Cobbers began their next drive just past midfield, embarking on a nine-play drive that took 3:59 off the clock, capping it off with a five-yard touchdown pass from Cooper Mattern to Jed Klang. The Concordia lead extended to 10-0.
 
The Knights capped off a 17-play drive, dominated by rushes from Jaden Coleman, with a 25-yard field goal by Marcus Merkelbach. The kick made the score 10-3 with 7:15 to play in the first half. 
 
The Knights' defense came up with a key stop on the Cobbers' next possession, and the Carleton offense took over on their 22-yard line. A drive of 62 yards brought them within field goal range for Merkelbach. He was called upon and successfully nailed a 33-yard field goal, making the score 10-6 with under a minute remaining in the half.
 
Concordia started the second half with possession at their own 25. The Cobbers marched deep into Knights territory and were threatening to score until a forced fumble by Blake Neithart was recovered by Kevin Xiong. The Knights were unable to take advantage of the turnover and had to punt after three plays. On the next drive, the Cobbers converted on fourth down when Mattern connected with Davion Henderson for a 24-yard touchdown, giving Concordia a 17-6 lead with 2:30 remaining in the third quarter.
 
The Cobbers picked off a pass on the next drive and returned it 55 yards for a defensive touchdown. The Knights were unable to score in the final quarter, and a third touchdown by Mattern gave the Cobbers the 31-6 lead that would stand as the final score.
 
Jack Curtis threw 19-for-32 for 112 yards and was the Knights' leading rusher with 60 yards. Antonio Barerra led the Knights in both receptions and receiving yards with five catches for 31 yards.
 
On defense, Eric Lail led the way with 12 tackles, and Henry Detmer tallied eight of his own.
 
Up Next for the Knights
The Knights travel to the hill to take on their cross-town rivals St. Olaf on Saturday, Oct. 12. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.