ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Taking advantage of early turnovers, Trinity International built a ten-point lead in the first half but were unable to stay in front, as the host Concordia Cardinals  used over 500 yards of total offense to earn a 41-24 win over the Trojans on Saturday afternoon.

Box Score

Linebacker Justin Hackley put in one of the best performances by a Trinity defender this season, collecting three sacks while forcing one fumble and recovering another, finishing with ten tackles on the day. As a unit however the Trojans (1-3) struggled to avoid the big play; of the six touchdowns allowed by the TIU defense, only one was from within the red zone.

Trinity took the first lead of the day, capitalizing on a takeaway on Concordia's (3-1) first play from scrimmage. Jeremiah Carter connected on a 29-yard field goal to put the Trojans in front 3-0, continuing the senior's streak of at least one field goal in each game this season. After both sides traded punts, the Cardinals moved in front with a 33-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter for the 7-3 edge.

Junior wideout Brad Hargis set a new career high, piling up 171 receing yards on four catches, with his biggest grab giving Trinity the lead again. J.J. Burmeister found Hargis for a 92-yard TD reception, just one yard shy of the TIU school record for longest pass play, to put the Trojans back on top 10-7 with 13:37 remaining in the half.

Following a fumble forced by Achike Morah and recovered by Hackley on the TIU 48-yardline, Trinity would extend its lead on a 41-yard touchdown pass to Hargis, this time thrown by senior wideout Cory Windle on a trick play.

Concordia would respond with their next possession, moving the ball 75 yards in 11 plays to cut the Trojan lead to 17-14 midway through the second quarter. With just over 90 seconds until the halftime break, the Cardinals would reclaim the lead, using five plays to cover 74 yards in just over a minute for the touchdown. A blocked extra point from Brindon Manual would make it a 20-17 halftime score.

Trinity's offense struggled to put a drive together in the third quarter, going three-and-out on its first two possessions. With 3:26 left in the quarter, the Cardinals extended their lead with a 73-yard touchdown pass to make it a ten-point advantage.

The Trojans cut lead down to three early in the fourth quarter, at 27-24, when Burmeister found Windle for a 23-yard TD catch, his 22nd career touchdown reception.

Concordia were forced to punt on their next possession, but the Trojans went three-and-out and punted with 11:07 remaining. The Cardinals then extended their lead again, converting two third downs, including a 43-yard touchdown pass on 3rd and 9, to go up 34-24 with 7:05 to play. Trinity were held scoreless in their last two possessions as the Cardinals held on for their third win of the year.

Burmeister finished the day with 179 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 8-of-13 passes. Freshman rusher Quintin Reeder posted a team-high 63 yards on the ground, while linebacker Riley Schussler collected 11 tackles to lead the defense.

The Trojans are back in action next Saturday, when they open MSFA Midwest play at St. Ambrose. Kickoff from Brady Street Stadium in Davenport, Iowa is set for 1:00 p.m.