In a spectacular start to their season, the Mount Marty University Lancers (1-0) delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Culver-Stockton Wildcats (0-1) with a final score of 42-14. 

First Quarter: Mount Marty Sets the Tone

The Lancers quickly asserted their dominance. On their first drive of the game, quarterback Rugby Ryken connected with wide receiver Kyle Hirsch for a 28-yard touchdown pass, although the extra point attempt was missed, making it 6-0. Later in the quarter, running back Malachy Harts found the end zone with a 5-yard run, and Jack Finder successfully converted the extra point to give Mount Marty a 13-0 lead. After their strong start, the Lancers never trailed the Wildcats in their 2024 season debut.

Second Quarter: Wildcats Fight Back

Culver-Stockton responded in the second quarter with a scoring drive that saw quarterback Drake Day link up with Kyle Dixon for a 33-yard touchdown pass. Ethan Boulanger's extra point brought the Wildcats within six points, trailing 13-7. Despite their efforts, the Wildcats were unable to close the gap further, as the Lancers' defense held strong. 

Third Quarter: Lancers Pull Ahead

The Lancers' offense ramped up their efforts in the third quarter. Harts scored again, this time on a 21-yard run, with a successful 2-point conversion pass from Trevor Fitzgerald extending the lead to 21-7. Moments later, Mount Marty's defense struck with Asmerom Mahammad's 38-yard interception return for a touchdown. Finder's extra point made it 28-7. Culver-Stockton managed to respond with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Day to Dixon, but the momentum was clearly with the Lancers as they led 28-14.

Fourth Quarter: Lancers Seal the Victory

Mount Marty put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter. Ryken's 4-yard touchdown pass to Hirsch capped off an 11-play, 80-yard drive, pushing the score to 35-14. Ryken then added to the Lancers' lead with a 1-yard touchdown run, further solidifying the victory at 42-14.

Statistical Highlights

Offensive Explosion: The Lancers racked up 436 total yards, with a dominant 264 yards on the ground, led by Malachy Harts who rushed for 151 yards. Yankton native Rugby Ryken made his QB debut, throwing for 172 yards, finding success with both Hirsch and Nick Heath in the passing game. Mount Marty also held an impressive 3rd Down Efficiency of 83% (15 of 18) against Culver-Stockton's 0% (0-8).

Defensive Prowess: Mount Marty's defense was relentless, including a key interception return by Mahammad. The Wildcats struggled against the Lancers' defensive line, which tallied three sacks on the game by Cameron Middleton and Jacob Lambeth.

Special Teams and Efficiency: Mount Marty excelled in third-down conversions, converting 15 of 18 attempts. Their balanced offense and stout defense kept Culver-Stockton at bay, especially in the second half.

Player of the Game: Malachy Harts was pivotal in the Lancers' victory, contributing with both rushing touchdowns and an overall strong performance on the ground. His ability to break through tackles and gain crucial yards was instrumental in securing the win.
 

Next Game: Mount Marty University will take on Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, for the inaugural "Dakota Railroad Rivalry" Game next Saturday, September 7th at 6:00 PM.