Oct. 15, 2016 - Possession, says the old adage, is nine-tenths of the law. That was the game plan of the Rockford University Regents this afternoon as they invaded River Forest to battle Concordia University Chicago, Rockford's plan was effective for a while, but the Cougars followed the law that winning the turnover battle generally wins football games. That was the case as CUC forced four turnovers while committing just one in the Cougars' 35-14 win over the Regents.

Rockford took the opening kickoff and methodically marched downfield behind the rushing of Chase Manning. Quarterback Darion Hornickel also passed for a couple of first downs and rushed for another on a fourth-and-two. The Regents reached the 10-yard line, facing a third-and-six, but cornerback Kareem Dabney stepped in front of the RU receiver in the end zone and made the first of three interceptions on the day. Rockford ran 8:31 off the clock on the drive, but came away with no points, 

Concordia took over at the 20-yard line and used a little over four minutes for their first drive. Rob Granquist hit Ryan Allison for 17 yards for CUC's initial first down of the day. Lance Moise ripped off runs of 12 and nine yards for the beginning of another big day for the freshman running back. The Cougars marched down to the 13 from where Granquist pitched back to Allison who found room on the right side and raced to the end zone for the opening score. Orlando Hayes added the extra point, and CUC led 7-0 with 1:50 remaining in the first quarter. 

The Regents took the ensuing kickoff and put together another impressive drive that carried over to the first eight minutes of the second quarter. Much of the damage came on the rushing of Manning and Hornickel, although Hornickel converted a key thid-and-eight on a 17-yard pass to Kalan Miller. The Regents reached the four-yard line with a first-and-goal. Hornickel attempted two sneaks but was stopped just short of the goal line. However, his third time was the charm, with the extra point knotting the game at 7-7. 

At this point, the Regents had held the ball for 18:27 to the Cougars' 4:32. However, as CUC's offense took the field for the second time, they showed no cobwebs. Moise went to work on eight of the next nine plays as both a rusher and pass receiver. On the final play, Moise sprung loose around the right side and scored on a 34-yard dash. The touchdown was good for a 14-7 lead despite trailing in possession time by about 10 minutes.

Rockford began their third possession with three minutes remaining, hoping to record a tying touchdown before the half. However, this drive ended prematurely as Hornickel lost the ball on a scramble. Rodolfo Payan recovered the loose ball for the defense's second takeaway of the half, The Cougars were unable to capitalize on the break, but they left the field at halftime leading 14-7.

The Cougars returned to their offensive efficiency in the third quarter, and they would put the game away on the first two drives. A 29-yard kickoff return by Rashad Lofton got the half started, and Moise quickly built up the momentum with 19 yards on his first two carries. Moments later, Moise added his second rushing touchdown of the game, this one from 18 yards out. 

The Regents were back on the attack shortly afterwards as Hornickel made two big completions. Rockford had a first down at the 25, but CUC's defense stiffened. First, Manning was stuffed by Riley Dennis and Thaddous Daniel for a loss of six. Then, Hornickel's pass was intercepted by Demetrius Rufus who returned the pick 38 yards to put CUC in scoring position. Six plays later, the Cougars cashed it in as Granquist hit Lofton on a short pass to the right side. Lofton weaved down the sideline, evading a couple of would-be tacklers and reached the end zone on an 18-yard scoring pass to put Concordia on top 28-7.

The ensuing kickoff provided one of the game's most interesting moments. Hayes hit a pooch kick in front of the return men. The ball took a backwards hop and was recovered by Trevaugn Collins. The Cougars were unable to convert that break into points as an interception marked CUC's lone turnover of the day. However, the Regents gave the ball right back as Hornickel's pass was deflected by Dabney into the hands of Payan. This time, the Cougars did not waste the opportunity as they drove 48 yards in 10 plays with Moise scoring on a four-yard hurdle over a defender for his third touchdown of the game and a 35-7 advantage. 

Rockford would score the final points of the day, aided by a 70-yard kickoff return. Hornickel connected with MarSean Vercher on a three-yard pass to the corner of the end zone. 

Moise finisehd with 188 yards on 24 carries. The freshman recorded his fourth 100-yard rushing game in six starts and retains his position as the NACC's leading rusher with a 130.5 rushing average per game. Granquist passed for 112 yards on 15 of 22 with Lofton catching six balls for 50 yards.

The Seidler brothers led the defensive victory. Senior A.J. Seidler made eight solo tackles and two assisted tackles while sophomore Peyton Seidler was credited with six solos. In addition to the four takeaways, the Cougars were credited with six tackles for minus-yards and six pass break-ups.

For Rockford, Manning rushed for 63 yards on 20 carries. Hornickel completed 18 of 35 passes for 228 yards, while Miller made six receptions for 96 yards. Rockford won the possession time, 35:39 to 24:21 but lost the total yardage stat, 314 yards to CUC's 335.

Concordia-Chicago (3-3, 1-1 NACC) will travel to Mequon, WI next Saturday, Oct. 22 to do battle with sister school Concordia University Wisconsin. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.