Mount Marty Drops Catholic Cup Battle to Briar Cliff
Yankton, S.D. — September 20, 2025 — In the second annual Catholic Cup, Mount Marty football came up short against Briar Cliff, falling 34-20 Saturday night at Crane Youngworth Field. With the result, the Catholic Cup series is now tied 1-1.
The Chargers struck first with an opening-quarter touchdown before the Lancers responded with a 38-yard field goal from Camden Vance. Vance later added another from 29 yards out to tie the game at 6-6 early in the second quarter. Briar Cliff regained the lead just before halftime, taking a 13-6 advantage into the break.
The fourth quarter featured fireworks, as Mount Marty clawed back from a 20-6 deficit. Quarterback Rugby Ryken connected with Kyle Hirsch on a 17-yard touchdown pass, and minutes later Hirsch broke free for a 30-yard rushing score to even the game at 20-20.
Briar Cliff answered with back-to-back touchdowns in the closing minutes to seal the 34-20 win.
Key Lancer Performances
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Kyle Hirsch – 10 carries, 96 yards (9.6 avg), 1 TD; 2 receptions, 30 yards, 1 TD
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Rugby Ryken – 11-for-22 passing, 96 yards, 1 TD
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Camden Vance – 2-for-2 on field goals (38, 29), 2-for-2 PATs, 8 total points; 4 punts for 138 yards (34.5 avg)
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Brock Lubbers – Team-high 8 tackles (2 solo, 6 assists)
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Brycen Mitchell – 6 tackles, 1 sack, 3 QB hurries
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Daniel Pierce – 7 tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass breakup
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Asmerom Mahammad – 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
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Issac Crownover – 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
With the loss, Mount Marty falls to 3-1 overall and 2-1 in GPAC play. The Lancers enter their bye week before returning to action on Saturday, October 4, when they host Concordia University at 1:00 p.m. in Yankton.
