With the conclusion of its game at Texas College on Saturday, Concordia’s first group of four-year players will walk off the field for the last time.

They hope to walk off the field with a win and the program’s second winning season.

“Being the first person to throw a touchdown at this school, it’s going to be kind of hard for me,” said quarterback Ken Johnson. “Saturday night, after the buzzer goes off, it’ll probably hit me then. Going off the field 6-5 and a winner, you can’t ask for nothing more.”

A win also gives the Hornets (5-5) a 4-1 mark against NAIA competition. After meeting with NAIA officials prior to the season, the Hornets are still waiting for an answer that will confirm or deny membership in the league.

Concordia’s game against the Steers can help pad the resume. Texas College (0-9) has had a rough season, but coach Shepherd Skanes thinks the Steers will be a tough team to beat.

“They’re an athletic team on film,” said Skanes. “The ball just hasn’t bounced their way.”

This will be the third meeting between the two schools. Concordia took the first with a 30-26 win in 2005 then squeaked by with a 13-12 win in 2006. The teams did not meet in 2007.

The ground the Hornets have covered in their development was evident in the faces, voices and actions of Concordia coaches and players as the team held its final practice of the season on Thursday.

“There’s some memories in these four years,” said Skanes as he addressed his team. “Thanks for the work you put into this program.”

The work Skanes referenced didn’t entail only football. Several of Concordia’s first players had a hand in building the place where the team prepares for games.

They helped lay the dirt for the new practice field, dug the holes for the goalposts and other tasks necessary for a school beginning its football program.

“These guys stuck with me when we first came in the door,” said Skanes. “To see those boys’ last time practicing on this field — to see them come in as boys and leave as men — that beats all wins and losses. I win when I see these boys walk across the stage with their degree.”

Despite the progress the Hornets have made, thy want more. The first step comes on Saturday in Tyler, Texas.

“I really want this sixth win,” said senior wide receiver John Halman. “It’s a big thing. We want to go out with a win.”