Football | 10/5/2013 6:46:00 PM

Box Score

MONMOUTH, Ore. – A late rally came up just short as the Western Oregon football team dropped a hard-fought decision to Azusa Pacific, 34-32, in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference contest on Saturday. With the loss, WOU falls to 2-3 overall, 2-2 in league play, while Azusa Pacific improves to 3-2 overall, 3-1 in conference action.

WOU trailed 34-19 with five minutes remaining; however, the Wolves staged a furious rally and had a chance to tie with one minute remaining. Antoinne Wafer started the comeback when he hauled in a six-yard touchdown pass with 3:21 remaining to cut the lead to 34-26.

The Wolves would recover the ensuing onside kick as WOU would go on an eight-play, 54 yard drive to pull within two as Bergman found James DePew in the back of the endzone to make the score 34-32. The two-point conversion failed; however, and APU managed to secure the next onside kick and run out the clock to secure the win.

Despite the loss, Bergman finished the day with 257 yards, going 20-of-39 with four touchdowns while Joe Harris led WOU with 72 yards receiving and one touchdown.

Patrick Tepea added a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown for the Wolves.

WOU was hampered by a pair of unsuccessful extra points and surrendered a blocked punt for a safety. The Wolves also lost the turnover battle, 3-2.

APU used a string rushing attack to outgain the Wolves, 383-315, with Watson leading the way for the Cougars, rushing for 102 yards on 28 carries. Stewart added two touchdowns for the Cougars.

Defensively, Shane Kuenzi led WOU with 15 tackles while Devin Wells added 13 for the Wolves.

WOU will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 12, when the Wolves host Humboldt State for Homecoming at 1:00 p.m.