HILLSBORO, Kan. — Sterling College was defeated by Tabor College with a final score of 41-28 in the season opener on Saturday, Aug. 29. Despite the loss, Sterling successfully converted all three of its red zone opportunities into touchdowns, including a notable 84-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Sterling opened the first quarter with a methodical drive, gaining momentum through short completions and incremental rushing gains. Zachary Isaak led the charge, completing passes to Wyatt Newberry and Noah Khokhar while also contributing with his own rushing efforts. The drive stalled near midfield, resulting in a punt, leaving the score unchanged.
After a quick three-and-out defensive stop for the Warriors, Tabor capitalized on a turnover, as Brandon King recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. Sterling responded with a sustained drive, highlighted by a significant 28-yard completion from Isaak to Kevin Jones. The drive culminated with Khokhar’s 9-yard touchdown rush, tying the game. As the quarter ended, both teams stood even on the scoreboard at 7-7.
The Warriors responded to Tabor’s early touchdown in the second quarter with a significant defensive play. Jaquan Lowman intercepted a pass from Tarent Moniz-Babb and returned it 84 yards for a touchdown, tying the score at 14-14 with just under two minutes remaining in the quarter.
Despite this momentum shift, the Bluejays managed to regain the lead before halftime. After a series of runs and passes, they concluded their drive with a 30-yard field goal by Jonathon Scheffler as time expired. The quarter ended with Tabor holding a slim 17-14 advantage.
The third quarter began with Sterling kicking off to Tabor, which resulted in a strong return by the Bluejays to the Sterling 40-yard line. Sterling’s defense held firm, limiting Tabor to a 28-yard field goal by Jonathon Scheffler, which extended the Bluejays’ lead.
After a subsequent drive stalled, Sterling’s special teams conceded a significant punt return, placing the Bluejays deep in Sterling territory. Tabor capitalized with a short rushing touchdown, further widening the score gap. However, Sterling responded effectively, with Zachary Isaak connecting on a 19-yard touchdown pass to Ty Goans, trimming the deficit and keeping Sterling within reach as the quarter closed with Tabor leading 27-21.
Opening the fourth quarter, Sterling’s defense made a crucial stop as Kenny Dominguez tackled Jonathon Scheffler for a 10-yard loss, halting Tabor’s drive. Sterling capitalized on the momentum with Isaak connecting twice with Khyaire Hines, including a 23-yard pass, setting up a Bryance Sanders one-yard touchdown run. Emmanuel Roman‘s extra point was successful, giving Sterling a 28-27 lead.
Tabor responded swiftly with a 52-yard touchdown pass from Jerome Stewart to Tyson Dozhier, reclaiming the advantage. Sterling faced pressure on its subsequent drive, resulting in a punt. The Bluejays extended its lead late with a 10-yard rushing touchdown by Keyan Miller, followed by a successful PAT, making the score 41-28.
With under a minute remaining, Sterling advanced rapidly downfield. Isaak completed several passes, including a 24-yard strike to Gabriel Corona, reaching Tabor’s 10-yard line. However, time expired before Sterling could close the gap, ending the game with a 41-28 deficit.
Bryance Sanders found the end zone with a short rush, adding six points to the board. Jaquan Lowman played a pivotal role on defense with an interception, returning it for an 84-yard touchdown. Zachary Isaak contributed significantly through the air, completing 15-of-21 passes for 199 yards and one touchdown. Kenny Dominguez anchored the defense, leading with 14 total tackles.
The Warriors (0-1) will take on Evangel (1-0) on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. Saturday also marks Sterling’s WarriorFest celebrations which will start in downtown Sterling, Kan. at 9 a.m.
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.
