DILLON, Mont. — The no. 6 ranked Montana Western football team (6-1, 4-1) routed the Arizona Christian Firestorm this afternoon in a 69-7 homecoming victory.
The Bulldogs finished off with a whopping 740 yard of total offense, breaking the team record for total offensive yards in a game that was set in 2021 against Rocky Mountain College.
Michael Palandri threw for seven touchdowns, recorded a rushing touchdown, and totaled 431 passing yards in the game. Palandri's seven touchdowns broke the individual record for touchdown passes in a game set by three Bulldog alumni at six total.
In addition,
Eli Nourse broke the single game touchdown reception record that was held by 11 Bulldog alumni at three in a game when we recorded four touchdown receptions.
How It Happened
After forcing a turnover on downs on the opening drive, Montana Western pushed down the field in just two minutes to score on a 25-yard touchdown pass to
Dylan Shipley.
The following UMW drive saw a quick pass to Shipley for 51-yards, followed by a touchdown pass to
Coby Tanioka from 24 yards out.
Nourse capped off the quarter by closing out a six-play 73-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown pass to take a 21-0 lead into the second quarter.
UMW would cash in on two quick scores in the beginning of the second quarter. The first on a 77-yard touchdown rush by
Jake Humphrey. The second coming on a 63-yard touchdown pass to Nourse.
Nourse was the target twice more before the end of the first half. The first on a 31-yard touchdown reception and the second on a 33-yard touchdown reception to send UMW into the half up 49-0.
Palandri was the hero in the opening drive of the second half, rushing it in for a five-yard touchdown rush that capped off a seven-play 75-yard drive.
UMW's defense continued to hold down the fort and
James Ochs recovered a fumble on UMW's 15-yard line to bring the offense back on the field.
Palandri once again helped UMW to find the end zone, this time on a touchdown pass to tight end
Matthew Heer from five yards out.
Up 62-0,
Kaden Jenks checked into the game at quarterback for the fourth quarter, tossing up an 11-yard touchdown pass to
Seth Shook that capped off a seven play, 45-yard drive.
Despite ACU recording their lone score of the game, the Bulldogs would close the game out on top at 69-7.
Notables
- UMW recorded 740 yards of offense, with an impressive 457 yards through the air.
- Palandri threw for 431 passing yards and seven touchdowns. Jenks stepped in and threw a touchdown of his own with 26 passing yards.
- Nourse led the Bulldogs with nine receptions for 214 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
- Humphrey led on the ground with 134 rushing yards and a 77-yard touchdown rush.
- Nine Bulldog defenders recorded tackles for loss in the game, with Jace Fitzgerald recording 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will prepare for a road trip next week to Havre, Mont. where they will face the MSU-Northern Lights on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.
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