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Fort Lewis College Athletics

Scoreboard

Jake Lowry
Antolin Gervacio, Sports Fantatic Photography
45
Winner N.M. Highlands NMFB 1-0 , 1-0
31
Fort Lewis College FLC 0-1 , 0-1
Winner
N.M. Highlands NMFB
1-0 , 1-0
45
Final
31
Fort Lewis College FLC
0-1 , 0-1
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
NMFB N.M. Highlands 7 21 10 7 45
FLC Fort Lewis College 7 7 3 14 31

Game Recap: Football | | Brian Kortz

Football Plays in Front of Packed Crowd at DHS in Season Opener

DURANGO, Colo. – It was everything you could've hoped for a home opener. With the crowd rocking and filled to near-capacity inside the Durango High School stadium, it had the Fort Lewis College football team ready from opening kick. The Skyhawks were off and running-literally-out of the gate when Jake Lowry capped a 99-yard drive with a 10-yard rush for the early lead. New Mexico Highlands fought back, outscoring FLC 28-7 over the remainder of the first half on their way to taking the 45-31 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference victory Friday night.

Offense wasn't hard to come by, as the teams combined for 1,004 yards, with FLC holding a 549-455 edge. Turnovers played a big role as FLC had three to one for NMHU, with the Cowboys holding a 14-0 edge on points off turnovers. Lowry had a strong ground and passing attack, leading the team in both categories, as the completed 23-46 for 324 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing 14 times for 136 yards and two more scores. Brayden Lucero added 23 carries for 90 yards. Ta'Jon Mondy-Smith caught five passes for 165 yards and two scores, including a couple of highlight-reel catches, one near the 20 yard line and the other for a score. Mason Hatton added seven catches for 68 yards.

After the teams traded possessions to start the game, FLC embarked on a lengthy drive starting from their own one yard line. After it looked like the drive would be a three-and-out, a pass interference call kept the drive alive. Facing a third-and-seven from their 41, the Skyhawks found Mondy-Smith for one of his many top catches on the night, as he hauled in a perfect throw on the near sidelines for a 49 yard pickup and first and goal at the 10. On the next snap, Lowry called his own number and found pay dirt for the 7-0 lead nine minutes into the game.

The Cowboys answered back, scoring on their next two drives to go in front 14-7. The second drive came on an interception, as it was an unfortunate one for FLC as the receiver slipped on the turf and the pass sailed right into the hands of the NMHU safety.

Midway through the second quarter, FLC drew even when Lowry kept it on the option play and went untouched 52 yards for the score to make it 14-all.

NMHU added a pair of scores to close out the half and take a 28-14 lead into the locker rooms.

Dre Cortez started off the second half right when he intercepted Danny Cameron deep in Skyhawk territory. The ensuing drive, though, resulted in a punt and NMHU later took advantage of an interception to go in front 35-14 midway through the third quarter.

FLC fought back to within 14 a pair of times, first early in the fourth quarter when Mondy-Smith hauled in a terrific catch near the back of the end zone to trim the deficit to 38-24. After NMHU answered back on just two plays, Lowry found Mondy-Smith again for a 35-yard strike to make it 45-31 with still lots of time to play in the fourth quarter.

The Skyhawks had one last push in the fourth quarter to pull to within a score. After putting together a 13 play, 72-yard drive, FLC was inside the five and were faced with a fourth-and-two. Lucero took the carry and was stopped after gaining just one yard to turn the ball over on downs. With just four minutes left to play, NMHU was able to run the clock out to preserve the victory.

On defense, Donell Pleasant III led FLC with eight tackles, Cortez followed with seven, along with an INT and two passes broken up. Nathan Aguilar added a sack.

Cameron completed 14-21 for 246 yards and four touchdowns to lead NMHU. Shifty Dione Alston was elusive all night and rushed 13 times for 119 yards. Elijah Boyd had a pair of rushing touchdowns. D.J. McFadden caught five passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns.

Eli Schoettmer had a game-high 11 tackles, with seven solo. C.J. Waite and Caleb Glennon added 10 tackles apiece. Malik Brown added a pair of interceptions.

FLC will now hit the road as they will travel to St. George, Utah to face Dixie State next Saturday (Sep. 8) starting at 6 p.m.
 
 
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