YANKTON, S.D.  – The Mount Marty University Lancers and Briar Cliff University Chargers football teams will meet this Saturday, September 5, for the 3rd Annual Catholic Cup, sponsored once again by Pizza Ranch. Due to forecasted heat, kickoff at Crane Youngworth Field has been pushed back to 7:30 PM to ensure the safety of student-athletes and fans.
Both teams enter Saturday's rivalry match looking to take the lead in the Catholic Cup series, which is currently deadlocked at 1–1:
Catholic Cup Series History (Tied 1–1)
• 2024: Mount Marty victory (36–21)
• 2025: Briar Cliff victory (34–20)
Game Preview & Team Updates:
Mount Marty Lancers (1–0): Mount Marty enters coming off a dominant 55–6 season-opening win over Clarke University. Quarterback Rugby Ryken set the pace on offense, throwing for 361 yards and five touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Wide receiver Moshe Richmond was Ryken's top target, hauling in five receptions for 182 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, linebacker Brock Lubbers was named the GPAC Defensive Player of the Week after recording seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Defensive back Arthur Oliver added to the defensive spark by forcing two turnovers with an interception and a fumble recovery.
Briar Cliff Chargers (0–1): The Chargers look to rebound after falling just short in a 29–22 battle against Mayville State. Quarterback Brock Saya anchored the offense with 245 passing yards and two touchdowns. His primary target, wide receiver Aaron Okoro, posted 108 receiving yards and a touchdown on five catches.
Defensively, linebacker Lakey Martin paced Briar Cliff's defense with 10 total tackles, while defensive lineman Carlos Lopez registered a sack and a forced fumble to keep the Chargers within striking distance throughout the opener.
Game Information
• Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
• Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM (Pushed back from original time due to heat)
• Location: Crane Youngworth Field
• Sponsor: Pizza Ranch
• Promo Video: Catholic Cup Promo Video for 2026
Fans are invited to come out, support their teams, and witness who breaks the tie to take home the Catholic Cup trophy.
