Sterling drops season opener to Tabor

Tabor College defeated Sterling College 34-9 on Saturday at Smisor Stadium. Tabor scored 21 points in the first half, including two passing touchdowns. Sterling managed a 74-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, but the Bluejays extended their lead with two rushing touchdowns in the second half. Tabor accumulated 335 total offensive yards compared to the Warriors’ 262.

The first quarter began with Jayden Briscoe‘s dynamic rushing and passing, highlighted by an 18-yard run followed by a 9-yard pass to Ryan Stucky, moving the Warriors quickly down the field. Despite the promising start, Sterling’s drive stalled at the Bluejays’ 31-yard line. Briscoe remained a key figure throughout the quarter, completing multiple passes, including a 13-yard connection with Noah Khokhar and a 16-yard gain to Kenneth Arroyos, though the team was unable to capitalize on their early momentum, ending the quarter trailing 7-0 after a Tabor touchdown and successful extra point.

The second quarter began with Sterling working to contain the Bluejays’ offensive surge, highlighted by a crucial defensive play from Derek Bean, breaking up a pass at 14:10. Sterling’s offense found momentum late in the quarter when Rocklin Baptista connected with Stucky for a 74-yard touchdown at 1:20, narrowing the score gap. Despite a series of penalties, the Warriors’ defense held firm, forcing Tabor to miss a field goal attempt.

The third quarter started with Sterling’s James Henisey kicking off 60 yards to Tabor, with Kristjan Goosby stopping their return at the Tabor 38-yard line. Defensive efforts were highlighted by Nate Criqui‘s sack on Ahmad Bailey, resulting in a loss of three yards for the Bluejays. On the offensive side, Baptista connected with Armando Juarez for a 21-yard gain, but Tabor’s defensive pressure led to a turnover when Baptist’s pass was intercepted by Xavian Michel at the 42-yard line. Despite some offensive progress late in the quarter, Sterling’s drive was halted by a sack from Tabor’s Moe Leitaua, concluding a challenging quarter for Sterling with a scoreless outcome.

The fourth quarter began with Sterling capitalizing on a Tabor miscue, as Bailey’s completed pass resulted in a safety at 14:04, adding two points to the Warriors’ tally. Despite this early momentum, Sterling’s offense struggled to maintain control with Baptista facing consecutive sacks, stalling their drive. In the final minutes, Briscoe connected with Khokhar for a 6-yard gain, but Tabor’s defense held firm, concluding the quarter with a 34-9 victory over Sterling.

Baptist led the passing attack for Sterling with 151 yards on 12-of-23 completions, throwing one touchdown. Stucky contributed significantly to the receiving corps, recording 90 yards on three receptions, including one touchdown. Khokhar was another key receiver, hauling in seven catches for 66 yards. On defense, Blake Montgomery stood out with a team-high 11 tackles, while Criqui followed closely with 10 tackles.

Next Saturday, Sept. 13, Sterling (0-1) will travel to Springfield, Mo. to take on Evangel University (1-0).