Coe sets school record with 3rd straight NCAA Division III football playoffs appearance

Coe will play in its third straight postseason.

The Kohawks record, strength and schedule and American Rivers Conference finish contributed to extending the season. But there are factors that don’t show up on paper or in box scores that led to the successful run.

“I think it’s a testament to our culture and an expect to win mindset,” Coe Coach Tyler Staker said. “Approach each day with a positive mentality, a positive outlook.

“It’s built in the offseason and our strength staff. The work our guys put in year-round. It’s built in fall camp and through preparation over the course of the year.”

Coe has set a program record, qualifying for the NCAA Division III playoffs for three consecutive seasons. The Kohawks will open the first round Saturday at Concordia University in Mequon, Wis., beginning at noon.

Staker has led Coe to the postseason for the fourth time in 10 years as head coach, advancing to the second round in 2016.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Staker said. “I’m not shocked that we’re back in the playoffs for the third year in a row.

“I don’t take it for granted either. It’s not easy. It’s really hard and there are a lot of really good football teams that aren’t playing in the postseason.”

The Kohawks (8-2, 7-1 A-R-C) have played playoff-like elimination games since splitting their first four games. They faced a slim margin for error and must-win games after losses to No. 4 University of Wisconsin-River Falls and conference champion and fifth-ranked Wartburg. Coe bested Central, 13-7, in the regular-season finale to clinch its fourth A-R-C runner-up finish and theoretically secure an at-large bid.

“Our guys didn’t let the circumstance of being 2-2 dictate their preparation and the way they approached the game and their work ethic,” Staker said. “They continued to go out there, work hard, support each other, be a team and take care of what’s in front of them. We’ve been fortunate to do that. It’s really rewarding for our guys to get a chance to go play in the postseason.”

The defense has been a key improvement during the six-game win streak. Coe has allowed just 59 points during that stretch. The Kohawks have allowed just seven points in four of those games and 10 in another, rebounding from the Week 2 shootout loss to River Falls, which boasts one of the nation’s top offenses.

“We tightened the screws and have been playing some really good football,” Staker said. “That’s an area that has improved a lot from earlier in the year. It’s a unit we’ve leaned on in some of these close ball games.

“We knew we were capable of it. I’m a firm believer that you have to play great defense in order to put yourself in position to play for championships and the postseason.”

Defensive leaders Kyle Cole and Noah Tolbert were named first-team all-conference, while quarterback Brady Kelly was named the Offensive Player of the Year. He has passed for 2,600 yards and a school single-season record 28 touchdowns, completing 157 of 231 passes, which is good for a 67.97 completion percentage.

Kelly was joined on the first-team offense by lineman Luke Schumacher. Fourteen Coe players earned all-conference honors.

“We talked a lot at the beginning of the season that you can’t cheat the game,” Staker said. “It takes what it takes. It’s an illusion of choice. There is no choice. You’ve got to earn it every time you step on the field.”

Concordia is making its second postseason appearance in school history and first since 2013. The Falcons won the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference title, posting a 9-1 overall mark. Concordia has four one-score victories and five wins by single digits.

Staker said the Falcons have a balanced offense with explosive playmakers, while their defense is strong up front with 20 sacks and 64 tackles for loss.

“They found ways to win in those close ball games,” Staker said. “It’s going to be a big challenge for our team but it’s fun to be in this situation. It’s a great opportunity for us.

“Hopefully, we can draw from that experience and gain some confidence for this road game.”

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