Hastings College Football Falls To #4 Morningside on Senior Day

(Hastings, NE) – In their Senior Day game, Hastings hosted #4 Morningside. Hastings kept it close, but lost 24-9 to the Mustangs on Saturday afternoon.

Hastings threw a possession on their opening possession, but senior Colton Marsh came right back with an interception five plays later. After Hastings turned it over on downs at the Mustang 34-yard line, Morningside scored on a fourth-and-three for a 42-yard touchdown to take a 7-0 lead heading to the second quarter.

On third-and-two from the Morningside 31-yard line, senior quarterback Jarrett Synek connected with senior tight end Carson Kudlacek for a 31-yard touchdown reception. The extra point was blocked, keeping Morningside ahead 7-6. A third down sack by senior Marquise Keetan led to the Broncos getting great field position, as they took over at the Morningside 23 following the punt.

Freshman Emmitt Dirks put the Broncos up 9-7 with a 40-yard field goal midway through the second quarter. The Mustangs went 75 yards on nine plays and scored on a five-yard touchdown run to take a 14-9 lead. After a Hastings punt, Morningside kicked a 33-yard field goal as time expired to take a 17-9 lead at the half.

The Broncos forced a punt to start the third quarter and the Broncos took it down to the Mustang 15, but they threw an interception on a third-and-seven play. Marsh got another interception four plays later, but Morningside kept the Broncos from getting a first down on their next series. Hastings had a chance to cut into the lead on a 44-yard field goal, but missed.

In the fourth quarter, junior defensive lineman Ed Tingle recovered a fumble at the Hastings 19-yard line. Morningside took a 24-9 lead with a 30-yard passing touchdown at the 5:53 mark. Hastings got down to the Morningside 12-yard line, but turned it over on downs on an incomplete pass from Synek to Kudlacek. Morningside took over and ran out the clock in the 24-9 defeat.

Morningside outgained the Broncos 364-289 in total yards and 222-180 in passing yards. Synek was 14-36 for 180 yards and a touchdown. Synek had 12 carries for 45 yards and Merryman had 17 carries for 34 yards. Junior Cooper Butler had two catches for 60 yards. Marsh led the team defensively with nine tackles, including five solo, and two interceptions.

Up next, Hastings (4-5) will end their regular season at Doane on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 1pm.