Lennon Krueger, contributor

At this year’s homecoming, the Augsburg Auggies faced the Macalester Scots in a hard-fought game that thrilled the crowd. Both teams battled through each quarter while facing brutal sunshine and a strong crosswind. 

To start the game, the new Augsburg pep band, directed by Dr. Kenneth Green II, made its football debut, performing the school song as the Auggies entered the field. Sophomore music education major Larken Saint conducted the national anthem.

​To start the first quarter, Augsburg received the ball but soon fumbled, with Macalester recovering at the 50-yard line. Macalester then opened the scoring with a field goal, taking a 3-0 lead. The Auggies were stopped on their second drive. With strong defense from both teams, the score held, with the quarter ending 3-0.

​Early in the second quarter, senior linebacker RJ Chakolis blocked a punt and sophomore defensive lineman Mustafa Shaban recovered it in the end zone to score Augsburg’s first points. The pep band played the school song, and the Auggies’ extra point was good, giving them a 7-3 lead. On Macalester’s next drive, sophomore linebacker and punter Avery Oseth intercepted a pass for Augsburg. On that drive, senior quarterback Caden Rodkewich hit sophomore wide receiver Amir Allah for a 26-yard completion, setting up another touchdown by junior wide receiver CJ Ritchie. Junior kicker Kevin Kargozar, added an extra point to bring them to 14 points.  Near the end of the half, Macalester completed a 71-yard drive, capped with a touchdown, and the half ended with Augsburg leading, 14-10.

​In the second half, Augsburg continued its strong defensive play, not allowing a point in the third quarter while adding to its lead. The third quarter opened with a Macalester punt, followed by an Augsburg drive that resulted in a field goal, making it 17-10. On the Scots’ next possession, they were stopped near midfield, and sophomore defensive lineman JT Thomas intercepted a pass at the Macalester 43-yard line. Augsburg’s ensuing drive stalled as the Scots’ defense held the Auggies at the 1- and 2-yard lines.

​After an uneventful end to the third quarter, Augsburg opened the fourth with Rodkewich’s 36-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Ben Davis and a successful extra point, expanding the lead to 24-10. On Macalester’s next drive, they attempted a fourth-down conversion but were called for offsides, forcing another attempt at fourth-and-8, which failed. The Auggies encouraged the crowd, whose cheers helped disrupt the Macalester offense and forced a turnover on downs. Augsburg then drove for another field goal, pushing the lead to 27-10. Macalester answered with a touchdown, but Augsburg recovered the ensuing onside kick at the 48-yard line. The Auggies then ran out the clock in victory formation, securing the homecoming win 27-17.