Football | 9/10/2011 7:08:00 PM

Box Score [Box score]

BURNABY, B.C. - The seconds could not tick away fast enough for the Western Oregon football team on Saturday as it took an early lead and were forced to hold on as Simon Fraser charged back into the game. The Wolves (1-1, 1-0 GNAC) opened the game by scoring 21 unanswered points and held on for the 35-28 victory in its Great Northwest Athletic Conference opener.

Evan Mozzochi was a force for Western Oregon on the ground and through the air. He tallied a career-high 73 yards rushing on just six carries and two touchdowns. His 45-yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter got the Wolves on the board for a lead which they never relinquished. He also added 207 yards passing and one touchdown.

After seeing how much special teams can affect the outcome of the game last week, the Wolves' special teams unit responded to the challenge. Kirk Werhane posted the first of two touchdowns for the Wolves' special teams when he recovered a bad snap by SFU's long snapper on a punt and rumbled 19 yards into the endzone for the score. Adryan Allen added the other with a 86 yard kickoff return. Allen received the ball on the 14 yard line, following the Clan's first score of the game, and took it to the house for the Wolves' first kickoff return for a touchdown since 2002 (Mike Hinshaw). Allen's touchdown put the Wolves in front 28-7 with 11:47 remaining in the second quarter.

Simon Fraser (1-1, 0-1 GNAC) then capitalized on a couple of big plays before the half to bring the score to 28-21. First it was Gabriel Ephard breaking off an 86 yard run to set up a Clan touchdown. Then it was quarterback Trey Wheeler hooking up with Bobby Pospischil on a 49 yard bomb to set up SFU's last score before the half.

After halftime it was the defenses which took over. Both units would allow just one third quarter touchdown. It was Mozzochi which put the Wolves back up by 14 with his second rushing touchdown of the game, which would prove to be the winning score, early in the third quarter. SFU answered with a touchdown on its next drive as Greg Bowcott plunged in from three yards out but the scoring ceased thereafter as both defenses clamped down.

Scotland Foss led the Wolves in tackles for the second straight game with 11. He also added a quarterback sack. Bryce Peila recorded his first interception of the season in the game, while he and Micah McMurry each registered nine tackles.

Trevor Roush was a big offensive weapon for the Wolves with 73 yards rushing and 68 yards receiving. His 34-yard touchdown reception from Mozzochi early in the first quarter put the Wolves in front 14-0. Trevor Gates also had a strong game on the other side of Mozzochi's passes, as he hauled in five receptions for 97 yards.

However, despite some strong individual performances Western Oregon was outgained in total yardage by Simon Fraser, 432-389, including 260-182 on the ground. The Clan had its top two running back both go over 100 yards on the ground, as Bo Palmer registered 124 yards and Ephard had 158 yards on 16 carries. Both student-athletes also posted a rushing touchdown.

The Western Oregon football team will be at home next week for its home opener against Central Washington (0-2, 0-1 GNAC) on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 1:00 p.m.