Football | 10/2/2010 3:59:56 PM

Box Score [Box score]

ASHLAND, Ore. - Tyler Crowley's 36-yard field goal fell short and Western Oregon avoided the upset at Southern Oregon 24-23, on Saturday, Oct. 2.

The Wolves (3-2, 2-1 GNAC) fell behind early and never led in the game until Kelly Morgan nailed a 42-yard field goal with 6:08 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Morgan's field goal capped off a 10-play drive where the Wolves pounded the ball on the ground for all 44 yards. The running game was the strength through the game for the Wolves, as it outgained SOU 163-56 on the ground. Darryl Valdez led the way with 89 yards, with 63 of those in the second half, and a touchdown.

The longest and most crucial rush of the day was turned in on a fake punt by Bryce Peila to end the third quarter. He was able to get the ball and rumble 31 yards. This set up Evan Mozzochi for a one-yard touchdown run to pull Western Oregon to within 23-21.

This matched the closest WOU had been all day as Southern Oregon (2-3) was able to jump out to a double-figure lead early in the second quarter with a touchdown and two field goals.

Western Oregon would not get on the board until there was 3:10 remaining in first half on a blocked punt by Andy Loscutoff, which he recovered at the Raiders' two yard line. Valdez would find pay dirt on the next play to bring WOU to within six at 13-7.

After Southern Oregon tacked on a field goal early in the third quarter, Western Oregon would pull to within two, at 16-14, as Mozzochi found Trevor Roush in the endzone from 10 yards out.

However, it would take no time at all for the Raiders to answer back. Paul Sweeney converted on his second touchdown of the day, this one a 72-yard strike to Vance Beach, to put SOU up 23-14 and set up the comeback for the Wolves.

Mozzochi led the comeback after taking a majority of the snaps in the contest with AJ Robinson sitting out due to injury. He completed 9-of-18 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. Mozzochi, who was out done throughout much of the game by the Raiders' Sweeney, who connected on 22-of-34 attempts for 221 yards and two scores, led WOU on scoring drives its final two possessions to earn the win.

Justin Ore had 62 of the Wolves' 122 receiving yards. He was able to haul in four passes including a 42-yarder midway through the third quarter to set up the Wolves first score of the half.

Gerritt Vincent led the Wolves' defense with 15 tackles. Scotland Foss also added 11 tackles, while Caleb Singleton and Sherman Vercher each chipped in with seven. The 56 rushing yards allowed was a season-best for the Western Oregon defense.

This was the 10th straight win for Western Oregon in this rivalry, which dates back to 1927.

The Western Oregon football team will be on the road again next week when it goes to Dixie State for a Great Northwest Athletic Conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for noon (PST).

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