Football | 9/1/2011 8:55:00 PM

Box Score [Box score]

ALLENDALE, Mich. - Traveling across the country to play a sporting event can be difficult at any level, and the Western Oregon football team found that out tonight (Sept. 1).

The Wolves walked into the hostile crowd of 15,004 fans at Lubber Stadium and just did not play with the efficiency needed to knock off the No. 4 team in the country, Grand Valley State. The Lakers would build a 23-0 lead at the half and walk away with a 44-20 win, in the season opener for both teams.

Although not indicative of the final 44 points put up by GVSU, the Western Oregon defense played very well against a potent offense. After an opening drive in which the Lakers marched down the field, the Wolves' defense held them to just 337 yard of offense. They also created two turnovers, including D'Andre Spencer's interception returned for a touchdown.

However, despite some strong efforts the defense found their backs against the wall on a number of occasions thanks to untimely turnovers by the Wolves' special teams. Three times WOU returners put the ball on the ground, and twice GVSU was able to recover. The Lakers also picked up a touchdown by their special teams, when Erik Thompson blocked a punt and Israel Woolfork scooped it up for the score.

Kelly Morgan hit two field goals in the game for Western Oregon. The first came at the 7:42 mark in third quarter to get the Wolves on the board. Royce Spencer recorded WOU's first touchdown catch of the season with 6:32 left in the fourth quarter when he and quarterback Evan Mozzochi hooked up from 15 yards out. This was one of six catches in the game for Spencer, who finished with 57 yards receiving in his first game in a Wolves' uniform.

Kenneth Haynes also impressed Western Oregon fans in his debut. The 5-7 running back out of Marin City, Calif., racked up 62 yards on 13 carries. Mozzochi finished the game 16-for-33 for 165 yards and one touchdown. He was sacked five times.

Junior Scotland Foss led the team in tackles with 12 (seven solo). King Manu added nine tackles, and both Raymond Williams and Kraig Akins had six stops apiece.

Lakers' quarterback Parling Heath finished the game 15-for-27 for 203 yards and three touchdowns.

The Wolves next game will be Sept. 10 at Simon Fraser. It will be the Great Northwest Athletic Conference opener for both teams.