Sterling falls to Ottawa

Ottawa University secured a decisive 51-20 victory over Sterling on Saturday, during Sterling College's Warriorfest on Saturday, Sept. 13. The Braves jumped to an early lead with a 27-point first half, setting the tone for the game. Sterling's aerial attack featured a notable 71-yard touchdown pass, but it was not enough to overcome Ottawa's balanced offense, which accumulated 423 total yards. Ottawa's defense was relentless, recording 10 sacks and recovering two fumbles.

The first quarter began with Sterling's Mason Cobb kicking off to Ottawa, setting an early defensive tone as Nate Criqui recorded a tackle for a loss, and later sacked Ottawa's Luke Edwards for a seven-yard loss. Despite Sterling's defensive efforts, Ottawa capitalized on a fumble recovery and a key interception by Malakai Hudson, resulting in two touchdowns and a field goal. Sterling responded with a determined drive, highlighted by Rocklin Baptist's 32-yard pass to Armando Juarez, culminating in a touchdown to narrow the gap to 17-7 before Ottawa finished the quarter ahead 27-7.

The third quarter started with Sterling unable to capitalize on their opening drive, leading to a punt by Cobb that was followed by an Ottawa score after a fumble recovery. Despite this setback, Jayden Briscoe showcased resilience by orchestrating a late-quarter drive, connecting with Ryan Stucky and Kevin Jones for significant gains, culminating in a 6-yard rushing touchdown with just 19 seconds left. James Henisey added the extra point, closing the gap slightly as the quarter ended with Sterling trailing 41-14.

The fourth quarter commenced with a strong defensive play by Jacob Bauman, leading to a loss of two yards for Ottawa. Sterling quickly capitalized on this momentum, as Briscoe connected with Noah Khokhar for a significant 71-yard touchdown, narrowing Ottawa's lead. Despite a missed extra point and subsequent on-side kick recovery by Ottawa University, Sterling's defense and strategic plays, including a notable 28-yard rush by Briscoe, kept the pressure on until the final whistle.

Briscoe completed 14 of 29 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown, while also adding 21 rushing yards on seven attempts. Khokhar recorded seven receptions for 111 yards, finding the end zone once. Juarez caught four passes for 46 yards, contributing one touchdown. On defense, Derek Bean led with eight total tackles.

Sterling (0-3) will face Bethany College (1-2) in Lindsborg, Kan. on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.