Football | 9/6/2008 2:09:09 AM
Box Score BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Western Oregon University football team opened Great Northwest Athletic Conference play with a 36-27 victory over Western Washington, Saturday (Sept. 6), at Bellingham, Wash.
In a game which saw nine lead changes, the Wolves were able to string together two consecutive fourth quarter scores for the victory and the 1-0 start in the GNAC. Both teams continued to trade scores until 9:48 in the fourth quarter when the Vikings were stopped at fourth-and-one from the WOU 1-yardline. The Wolves then responded with an 11 play, 99-yard scoring drive which took 5:59 off the clock and was capped off by a Ben Kuenzi 16-yard touchdown run. This was the first time in the game either team scored consecutive touchdowns.
The WOU ground attack was dominant all day as it rolled up 252 yards, to Western Washington's 108, including 66 on the key fourth quarter scoring drive. DJ Jackson led the team in yards with 132 on 13 carries while Kuenzi had 13 carries for 81 yards and two touchdowns. Justin Ore added another rushing touchdown for the Wolves as he raced in from 14 yards out on his only carry of the night.
Josh Riddell led WOU to its first win of the season in his first start, as he completed 15-of-24 passes for 210 yards, two touchdowns and just one interception. He found a variety of targets on the evening as his 15 completions were spread out among seven WOU receivers. Isaiah Smith, Sean Fullerton and Shaun Kauleinamoku led the team with three receptions apiece as Chris Malcolm and Demario Ballard each hauled in two passes and a touchdown. Ballard now has touchdown receptions in consecutive games to begin his Western Oregon football career.
Western Oregon trailed 20-17 at the half but the Wolves outscored the Vikings 19-7 in the second half en route to the win. The defense was a key factor as it responded after halftime with a fumble recovery, a turnover-on-downs and two punts. Junior Gavin Romanick led the defense with 10 tackles and two tackles for loss. Andrew Jackson and JT Gilmore each registered nine tackles while Caleb Singleton chipped in with eight. Miguel Gonzalez recorded three pass breakups.
The Wolves were extremely efficient on third down conversions as they converted 7-of-11 on the game including 4-of-5 in the second half. WOU also capitalized on its opportunities as it scored on 5-of-6 red-zone chances.
The day started off mildly as Western Oregon stopped Western Washington on a fourth-and-one on the game's opening drive then took over possession at the WWU 14 yard line. After being stopped on three consecutive plays the Wolves settled for a Juan Rodriguez field goal. This would be the only field goal in a game which featured nine scoring drives.
