Football News
Warriors football players recognized at Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes
Five members of the Sterling College football team were recently named Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes for the 2008 season.
Seniors Tyler Degenhardt and Craig Mans along with juniors Nolan Cox, Justin Hejny and Stephen Wilson were named to the Daktronics NAIA elite squad.
“We are very excited to have these student-athletes recognized as Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes,” said Sterling College Head football coach Andy Lambert. “All of these young men have demonstrated excellence on the field and in the classroom.”
Recipients of the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete award must have a minimum grade point average of 3.50 on a 4.00 scale, be a junior or above in academic standings, and been in attendance at the nominating institution a minimum of one full school year.
Warriors Recognized in All Conference Meeting
The Warriors of the gridiron close the semester out with a good number of players recognized in the All Conference meeting held by the coaches.
Sterling had three members recognized for 1st team All-KCAC, Sophomore Rashard Colquitt receiving first team recognition for two positions; running back and kick returner. Colquitt averaged 70+ yards a game in total offense accouting for 10 TDs, while returning kicks for 25 yards per return with one touchdown. Freshman Johnelle Murphy received first team utility player recognition as well on the offensive side of the ball, accounting for 8 TDs in his rookie campaign.
Derek Sullivan was the lone defensive 1st teamer as the senior linebacker posted 74 tackles on the year with 4 sacks, even missing one game with injury.
Sophomore Derek Brumbaugh was named on the 2nd Team All Conference for offensive line; springing many of the holes for the likes of Colquitt and Tyler Degenhardt. Senior Craig Mans also received 2nd team honors for his defensive efforts, logging 31 tackles and 2 interceptions.
Those players honorably mentioned were senior QB Tyler Degenhardt, senior WR Carlos De Los Reyes, senior lineman Zeke Young, senior defensive back Brent Schneider, junior linebacker Justin Hejny, junior linebacker Austin Kingsbury, sophomore d-lineman tre Addision, senior d-lineman kyle Hixson, and freshman punt returner Michael Talton.
The Warriors finished the 2008 season 7-3 overall and 7-2 in conference play, tied for second place.
Warriors Stun... Crash Ottawa's Postseason Party 17-13
Jason Donally of Victory Magazine, an NAIA review called this in advance. The postseason picture could see some twists because of a possible upset of the #14 ranked Ottawa Braves was brewing in Sterling, Kansas. Off the gut wrenching OT loss to St. Mary one week ago, the Warriors were undoubtedly looking to get the bad taste out of their mouth. Beating a seemingly playoff bound 8-1 Ottawa team would no doubt do just that, and a 17-13 Warrior defensively dominating game proved Donally's premonition accurate.
I am sure Coach Kessinger of Ottawa would have felt great about his team's chances going in if he knew his defense would hold the explosive SC QB Tyler Degenhardt to a mere 25 yards rushing on the day. The Warrior defense however proved last week an aberration as the deadly arm of Ottawa QB Ethan Haller was only able to muster up 218 yards passing, 80 yards short his average, many of those coming in a late 4th quarter drive down two scores. The rushing game for Ottawa was also stunted gaining a mere 52 yards on the ground, almost 100 yards short of their average. "Our defense really rallied from last week," remarked Head Coach Andy Lambert. "You just hope your team will respond after a tough week like that... I think they did against a great Ottawa team like this."
The game was a back and forth contest early as the cold wind from the northwest seemed to stifle the offenses. After a short punt from deep in Ottawa territory that gave the Warrior offense the ball on the Ottawa 24 yard line, it only took 3 plays before Tyler Degenhardt was able to find WR Carlos De Los Reyes in the end zone for the first score of the game on the 8 yard completion.
From that point on, the teams would trade the ball back and forth, with both teams unable to capitalize on turnovers, Sterling with two and Ottawa with one before halftime would find the game still at 7-0 in the Warrior's favor. The third quarter would continue the tug of war as each offense seemingly did not want to hang onto the ball as Ottawa turned it over three times to Sterling's two. The third Ottawa turnover however, would give the Warriors an opportunity two go up two scores if soccer/football player Mladen Bjelica could use the northwest wind to boot a 40 yarder through the south goal. With no room to spare, the kick fell to the ground just clearing the cross bar, giving SC the 10-0 advantage going into the 4th quarter.
Feeling the pressure of faltering and losing any hopes of playing on, it seemed the offense of the Braves under the leadership of Haller picked up their game, putting an impressive 77 yard drive together at the 10 minute mark in the 4th quarter to move the game within a field goal, Ottawa now having the wind at their back. With seven minutes to play, the Warriors would have to keep the ball out of the hands of the Ottawa offense. On a key 3rd and 5 at midfield, Tyler Degenhardt, despite being stopped all afternoon scrambled for 22 yards deep into Ottawa territory, moving the chains, and more importantly, keeping the ball in Warrior possession with the clock moving. After a crucial penalty on a 3rd down moving the Warriors back, followed by an incompletion; the Warriors having no chance for a field goal with the wind in their face snapped the ball on 4th down from the 27 yard line; a Degenhardt lob to De Los Reyes who fought off the defender came down with the catch and the first down on the Ottawa 1 yardline, all but sealing the fate of the Braves; that being done when Degenhardt flew through the Brave D-Line for a touchdown, making the score 17-7.
Haller would drive his team for one more touchdown late in the 4th quarter, but the onside failing, leaving the Sterling offense and senior Tyler Degenhardt kneeling down the season on a win over 14th ranked Ottawa 17-13. On Degenhardt, Lambert commented, "I don't know if I have seen a better career from his redshirt year to now, all of the things we have asked him to do, and the level at which he was able to do them. The play he broke in the 4th quarter to allow us to keep the ball tipified that and was possibly one of the best athletic football plays I have ever seen in my 17 year coaching career."
The win gave the Warriors a 7-3 season, 7-2 in the KCAC, good for a second place tie with Ottawa. This season's seniors being the redshirt class the Lambert era brought in were a big reason for the rebuilt Warrior football program. "We lose 19 seniors off this talented team, 9 of which have been here 5 years, their first as redshirts. What they have done to help turn this program around has been a great achievement; and we are excited for the future of what those guys have begun in Sterling football."
The KCAC will send Friends University as the lone postseason participant, finishing their undefeated run with a convincing win over St. Mary's today putting them at 10-0. The coaches will meet tomorrow for All-Conference selections which will be released immediately following.
The win marked yet another winning season in the Lambert era, now garnering a 27-12 overall record at Sterling College since the fall of 2005 having taken over a program winless in the previous two seasons.
Spires Block Warriors from Late Season Push, defeating SC in OT 47-48
"These games are the reason we coach," remarked Head Coach Andy Lambert in a post game interview. "This was just great back and forth battle and the kind of excitement you hope to have in college football."
Excitement it was. Knowing going in that St. Mary would air it out and the Warriors would grind on the ground made the match-up all the more appealing. There was no argument that both Quarterbacks on the field Saturday were the keys to the game; Sterling's Tyler Degenhardt with his feet, and St.Mary's Daniel Robles with his arm. Both would have big days.
The Spires would draw first blood as a crucial 4th down mishap at the end of the 4th quarter would give the Spires great field position. A bad snap in the punt formation forcing a kneel down woud give the Spires the ball 22 yards away from paydirt in which they would capitilize 3 plays later on Robles to Derick Shulte 15 yard completion.
The Warriors would quickly answer with a 50 yard drive early in the 2nd quarter capped off by a Degenhardt to Rashard Colquitt TD reception. The two prize fighter like teams would them trade some blows as the Spires with a big 53 yard pass completion from Robles to his favorite target on the day, Glen Wallin, would set up another Robles passing TD, again finding Wallin in the end zone.
The Warriors would answer right back with two big runs from Degenhart and Colquitt, Colquitt's 29 yarder finding the goal line. After the failed two-point conversion, the score would be 13-12. Robles of St. Mary would quickly find Tai Murray two consecutive times in the air to give St. Mary an 18-13 lead at halftime.
The Warriors would strike on their first possession of the 2nd half with a Carlos De Los Reyes TD reception from Degenhardt. The Robles show took no break as he would guide St. Mary on a 71 yard drive the subsequent possession and cap it off with an 8 yard scramble for a touchdown. After a quick Warrior series and punt, it seemed as though Robles and the Spires could bury an early dagger in the Warriors as they drove to the Sterling 15 yard line. With going up 2 scores seemingly assured, the reliable Robles overthrew a TD intended pass finding Warrior corner Brent Schnieder who would return it 88 yards the other direction, setting up another De Los Reyes TD reception with Degenhardt; possibly one of the biggest momentum swings of the game at that point.
Robles would then throw two consecutive interceptions, one to Brock Frank, and a second to Austin Kingsbury; both resulting in Warrior touchdowns by Tyler Degenhardt. Depending on which Daniel Robles would come back out to the field after the set back would foretell how the remainder of the game would go. The first half Robles would be back as he would master two impressive drives, the first 58 and the second, and an incredible 83 yard drive; which would require a 2 point conversion attempt to tie the game at 41. With yet another pass to Willie Harris, the comeback was solidified with the score tied 41-41 with just under two minutes to go.
The two minute offense would prove effective for the Warriors, however, as Degenhardt would lead the Warrior down to the 10 yard line with under a minute to go and a great opportunity to win the game. On a 2nd down, defensivemen John Annino for the Spires would make the biggest sack of the day, snagging Degenhardt for a 10 yard loss. After a 5 yard penalty on the next play, the Warriors were forced to go for a much longer field goal try then they had planned, 41 yards against a stiff wind. With the kick short, overtime was underway.
The Spires would have first posession, resulting in a quick TD strike from Robles to Tai Murray with the extra point threw the score would be 48-41.
On the first play for the Warriors, Degenhardt would find Clay McEachern in the end zone for a 25 yard score. Just as quick as the emotions skyrocketed, they fell to the ground as the extra point would find the hands Defensive lineman Chris Joly of the Spires blocking the tying attempt, ending the game, the final 47-48.
As billed, the quarterbacks would lead the way with Tyler Degenhardt for the Warriors responsible for 6 touchdowns (4 passing, 2 rushing); and Daniel Robles for St. Mary putting up a stunning 450 yards passing with 7 touchdowns (5 passing, 2 rushing), easily the MVP of the game for St. Mary.
The Warriors with the loss would fall out of a second place tie with Ottawa, their opponent for next week's season finale. National tournament implications will still be on the line next week as the 7-1 Ottawa has an outside chance of getting an at large as the 2nd place finisher, with Friends likely to run the table. Sterling will have the opportunity to play the spoiler, as Ottawa is no doubt wishing they could play any other team in the league than a Warrior team with as much desire and courage and welcome of what could be a thriller season finisher.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 at Smisor Stadium.
Tyler Degenhart named KCAC "Offensive Player of the Week"
Sterling College senior Tyler Degenhardt was named the KCAC "Offensive Player of the Week" after helping lead the Warriors to a win over Kansas Wesleyan University Saturday.
Degenhardt, a 5'9, 195lb. running back, from Holton, KS. lead Sterling to a 26-19 win at Kansas Wesleyan University, he completed 10 of 20 pass attempts for 118 yards and 1 passing touchdown with 1 interception, and he also rushed 22 carries for 128 yards and 1 rushing touchdown, for a total of 246 yards offense.
Sterling is now 6-2 overall and 6-1 in the KCAC. The Warriors are tied for second in the KCAC with Ottawa and will host Saint Mary this week and Ottawa next week.
Warriors Muzzle Coyotes 26-19, move to 6-1 in KCAC
If the Warriors were going to have a game that could get in the way of their late season push, it was Saturday in Salina, KS against the game Coyotes of Kansas Wesleyan. Despite what looked like a bleak beginning, the Warriors would do what good teams do when all cylinders aren't firing; they found a way to win.
The Coyotes would get on the board first with an impressive late 1st quarter 69 yard drive. With the Warrior offense ineffective to that point, those 7 points were big. Johnelle Murphy would surprisingly rectify and answer with an 84 yard kickoff return for touchdown to tie the score at the end of the quarter.
After the Coyotes downed a punt inside the 3 yardline, the Warriors would suffer a run for loss resulting in a safety, giving the Coyotes a 9-7 lead. On the insuing possession, the Coyotes would score yet again to make it a 16-7 game with 6:30 left in the 1st half. From that point, the Warriors would command the remainder of the half.
The next possession for the Warriors would feature the passing of QB Tyler Degenhardt going 4 for 5 with a 3rd and 14 inside the red zone going for a Johnelle Murphy TD reception, making it a 14-16 game. The subsequent kickoff would be a game changer as the Coyotes would fumble it away on their own 23 yard line, to be recovered by the Warriors with just over a minute to go in the contest. In three plays, RB Rashard Colquitt would take a toss sweep 17 yards to paydirt, putting the score at 20-16 Warriors going into half.
The 2nd half would be started off in a typical grooling Warrior drive as QB Tyler Degenhardt would use his legs to power the Warrior attack, capping a 68 yard drive off with a 31 yard TD scamper making the score 26-16. The Warrior defense would then clock in and shut down the Coyote attack stimying host for the remainder of the half. Both teams would trade possessions late into the 4th quarter when Kansas Wesleyan was finally able to move the ball to 1st and goal to go from the 3 yard line of Sterling with a little over 3 minutes to play. The Warriors would put on what would be a game winning goal line stand as the Coyotes would settle for the field goal, but never get an opportunity to get the ball back, making the final score 26-19.
Unfortunately the play to enter the red zone late in the 4th quarter would cost the Coyotes and the KCAC dearly as Preston McCorkle, the highly talented running back would suffer a severe head or neck injury that would require emergency medical care. Game personnel reported movement from McCorkle as he lay on the turf, but nothing has been confirmed at time of this release. Each team shared a moment in prayer for the athlete.
Tyler Degenhardt would be the offensive juggernaut for the Warriors as he would run and throw for a TD and gain 128 yards on the ground and throw for 118. Derrick Sullivan would once again anchor the defense logging 8 tackles on the day, 5 unassisted.
The victory for the Warriors would move them to 6-2 overall, and 6-1 in the KCAC, tied for second with Ottawa. The Warriors will host the 3-4 Spires of St. Mary next Saturday who suffered a road loss to Bethany College this week. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30.
Swedes thrown '0'ctoberfest by Warriors 47-0.
The days of dominace in the KCAC have drastically changed when the once perennially strong Swedes of Bethany suffer a lopsided shutout from the Warriors of Sterling College. Change is welcome as the Warriors continue a drive for postseason play defeating the Swedes 47-0.
While Bethany searched for identity on Saturday, the Warriors made theirs apparent as the ground game once again flourished, gaining over 200 yards running, posting over 350 total. The defense also put in a stellar effort as Bethany could only muster 137 yards of total offense, rarely even running plays on the Warrior side of the field.
After an opening drive with a key 3rd down Tyler Degenhardt pass to Johnelle Murphy for 30 yards for the Warriors, Sterling would score on a Murphy run to begin the scoring. With the wind blowing firm, the Warriors kept the kickoffs low, which created an opportunity in the 1st quarter as Josh Wheeler's kick after the first score struck a Swede upback and caromed into the hands of a covering Warrior, giving the Warriors offense a short field to drive and go up 12-0, both conversion attempts failing.
After a '3 and out' by the Swede offense and a short punt, the Warriors would once again get a short field where a Tyler Degenhardt 17 yard pass would find Carlos De Los Reyes for a touchdown to take a three score lead on Bethany. Another quick series for Bethany would end in a punt getting blocked by linebacker Justin Hejny picked up for a touchdown by Nate Arnold. That would cap off a dominating 1st quarter, the Warriors up 26-0.
After 11 play drive for the Swedes that would result in no points, the Warriors put together one of their trademark clock dominating drives taking up almost 8 minutes of the 2nd quarter going 70 yards, capped off by a Rashard Colquitt touchdown run, putting the Warriors up 33-0 going into halftime.
"Our guys executed well in the first half. With a couple plays going our way with bounces and a blocked punt, we were able to take advantage and put points on the board. Sometimes, a couple plays that go your way can make all the difference in this game," remarked Head Coach Andy Lambert.
The 2nd half was workmanlike for the Warriors as they would work to close out the win. And if nothing else was an indication that alot was going the Warriors' way, it was definite when Sterling nose tackle Quinton Burgess came up with his 1st career interception late in the 3rd quarter on a busted pass play. Stephen Wilson and Johnelle Murphy would both have rushing touchdowns, one in each quarter, putting the game far out of reach while the defense preserved the shutout, the final score 47-0.
Rashard Colquitt would lead the rushing attack with 60 yards, with Murphy and Degenhardt close behind with 55 yards a piece as the attack was well spread. Degenhardt would prove efficient going 10-13 passing for 149 yards and a TD. Murphy would be the scoring leader crossing the endzone line 3 times on the day.
The schedule remaining for the Warriors will assuredly sort out how the conference will finish out with Kansas Wesleyan on deck and Ottawa sharing second place with the Warriors, both teams with one loss, three weeks away as the final game of the year; a much more competitive St. Mary sandwiched in between. The KWU kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 in Salina, KS.
Warriors Topple Builders 42-14
Seldom do football games go the way they predict on paper, but on Homecoming Saturday, the Warriors of the gridiron showed why they were the favorites going away over the rebuilding Moundbuilders of Southwestern College, victorious by a 42-14 margin.
Ironically, one year ago the Warriors used the aerial attack to best Southwestern putting up 42 points as well, but as the personnel changed, so did the Sterling attack as the offensive amassed a pummeling 316 yards on the ground on 55 carries on the day, QB Tyler Degenhardt leading the way gaining 144 yards on just 18 carries.
The game took a pedestrian feel as neither team cracked the goal line in the first quarter, Southwestern being the only successful mover stalling a drive, however, that got them into the Warrior redzone by two consecutive holding penalties that took away any chance of scoring.
The medicine of the Warrior ground game kicked in in the 2nd quarter as the offense would put up 4 scores in the quarter. The first coming from RB Stephen Wilson to cap off a 13 play 60 yard drive taking over 6 minutes of clock. With a Southwestern turnover immediately following, Tyler Degenhardt put a 2nd score on the board with one 34 yard run. It wasn't until after RB Johnelle Murphy punched in a TD did Southwestern get on the board with a TD pass from QB Jesse Lyons after a big kick return that put the Builder offense down to the Warrior red zone. The Warriors would answer before halftime with a Degenhardt to WR De Los Reyes TD reception.
The Warriors would play a clock game for the majority of the second half with chunks of yard on the ground, getting assisted by a interception for TD by Safety Deon Lewis to put the Warriors up three scores. RB Rashard Colquitt would cap off the Warrior scoring with a three yard TD run in the 4th quarter; and with a late game score for Southwestern, the Warriors would down the ball to victory with a 42-14 final.
"It was a great battle today out there, I was really proud of the way our kids played," remarked Head Coach Andy Lambert.
The defense put in another stellar effort only allowing a paltry 22 yard on the ground, just over 100 in the air, many of those coming in late 4th quarter action. LB Derrick Sullivan punched his timecard putting in a great day at the office with 13 tackles and 2 sacks.
The Warriors improve their record to 4-2, 4-1 in the KCAC in front of the Homecoming crowd, tied for second in the KCAC. Sterling travels to Lindsborg, KS next Saturday to challenge the Swedes of Bethany College who going into todays action were 1-4 overall, 1-3 in the KCAC. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30.
Warrior Football falls to #10 Northwestern Oklahoma State
ALVA, Okla. – The 10th ranked Northwestern Oklahoma State Ranger football team had no trouble with No. 25 Sterling (Kan.) as the Rangers whipped the Warriors 38-14 at Ranger Field on Saturday.
Northwestern held the Warriors to just 35 total yards after three quarters of play and led 38-0 before Sterling would score in the fourth quarter.
After a scoreless first quarter, in which the Rangers ate up more than 10 minutes of clock in two possessions, Northwestern turned on the jets in the second quarter.
The Rangers scored on the second play of the second quarter to lead 7-0 after obtaining the ball from Lamon Miller’s interception. Northwestern used eight plays to score with 13:55 left before half.
Just over three minutes later Billy Barefield upped the score to 14-0 on a 27 yard scamper. Ty Ray bombed a 52-yard field goal with 4:53 to go, before Barefield hit Kent McDonald, who was standing in the end zone, with 33 seconds left for a 24-0 lead.
Barefield hit Kyle Culwell and McDonald again for 3 and 10 yard receptions, to take the commanding 38-0 lead after three quarters.
Sterling finally got on the board in the fourth quarter after a Craig Mans interception and a Austin Kingsbury fumble recovery which both led to two Tyler Degenhardt rushing touchdowns.
The Warrior offense was held to 165 total yards on the day. Nolan Cox led the Warrior defense for the day with eleven solo tackles.
Sterling (2-2, 2-1) will travel to McPherson College on Saturday, the Bulldogs are coming off a 28-30 loss to Saint Mary this past Saturday and hold a 2-2, 2-2 record. Kickoff is set for 1:30 PM in McPherson.
Derrick Sullivan named NAIA and VSN National Defensive Player of the Week
Sullivan, a 6-1, 215 lbs., linebacker from Kingman, Kan., was a stalwart in a defensive unit that held No. 13 Bethel (Kan.) to just three points and minus-46 rushing yards. Derrick posted nine total tackles (6 solo) and 2.5 sacks for 24 yards in Sterling’s 24-3 upset win. The Threshers of Bethel had averaged 23 points in two wins prior to that game. He ranks in the Top 30 in the country in sacks per game (0.80).
“Derrick has had a great career at linebacker here at SC” said Head Football Coach Andy Lambert. “We excited for him be recognized by these two national entities”.
With the win over the Threshers, the Warriors moved into the Top 25 poll for the first time this season and will travel to #10 Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma this Saturday. The Warriors upset the Rangers last season 22-21. Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM in Alva.
More information can be found at www.naia.org and www.naiafootball.net