DILLON, Mont. - The Montana Western football team (2-1) defeated NCAA Division III opponent Lewis & Clark College (Ore.) by a score of 49-13 today in their home opener.
How it Happened
The Bulldogs got off to a sluggish start, allowing the Pioneers to score on their first two drives of the game. Down 10-0, Western flipped a switch and quickly scored their first touchdown of the game following a
DJ Kirven rush for a 75-yard touchdown.
Down 10-7 entering the second quarter, UMW answered the call again as
Michael Palandri threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to
Dylan Shipley to give the Bulldogs their first lead of the game at 14-10.
The Bulldog defense forced a three and out on the following drive, featuring a sack by
Tanner Harrell. This ignited another Western scoring drive that was capped off by a 15-yard rush by
Pete Gibson.
UMW continued in their second quarter barrage with an eight play, 64-yard drive that was capped off by a five-yard touchdown rush from Kirven.
Just before the half, the Pioneers added their final points of the game in a field goal from 44-yards out. UMW went into the half up 28-13.
Western wasted no time in the third quarter after
Coby Tanioka returned the opening kickoff for 68 yards. On the following play,
Eli Nourse caught a 32-yard pass from Palandri for a touchdown.
With UMW up 35-13,
Aiden Prado added some excitement after he picked off Pioneer quarterback Cruz Montana. The following play saw
Pete Gibson rush the ball in for another Bulldog score, putting the Bulldogs up 42-13.
The final score of the game came in the fourth quarter after
Bradley Eleton rushed for nine yards for a touchdown. The Bulldog defense hung on to keep the Pioneers scoreless for the entire second half as Montana Western finished the game on top at 49-13.
Notables
- The Bulldog defense stepped up to the plate as they recorded four sacks, two interceptions, and 9 tackles for loss in the win.
- Bulldog running back Kirven led the way after he rushed for a career high 137 yards and two touchdowns.
- Nourse recorded 117 receiving yards with a touchdown.
- Palandri threw for 280 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
- Kameron Rauser and Prado each recorded an interception in the game. Rauser for a return of 28 yards and Prado for a return of 23 yards.
Up Next
The Bulldogs are back at home next week for a Frontier Conference matchup against Southern Oregon University. Kickoff is set for 1p.m. at Vigilante Field.
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