Eagles wrangle Cowboys, 42-14
Seven of Chadron State’s first eight possessions started after a turnover and the Eagles scored 24 first quarter points in a 42-14 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference romp over New Mexico Highlands Saturday afternoon at Elliott Field in Chadron.
In all, the CSC defense recovered six fumbles, including five in the first quarter alone that set up three short scoring drives. The Eagles (3-4, 3-2 RMAC) also had two interceptions, including one that was returned 68 yards for a touchdown by Phil Rivera near the end of the second quarter, and added a safety for good measure in the fourth.
Nothing went as planned for Highlands in the first quarter. On the second snap of the game – the Cowboys’ offense had a first and five after Chadron State lined up off sides – defensive tackle Jan Karlos Medina scooped up quarterback Clint Barnard’s fumble at the 32-yard line.
Following a short drive, Alex Ferdinand booted a 40-yard field goal and the Eagles were on the board.
On the ensuing kickoff, New Mexico Highlands’ Kevon Williams fumbled at the 20-yard line and the Eagles hit pay dirt four plays later when Brandon Gorsuch found Cody Roes for an 8-yard touchdown.
The Eagles scored their second touchdown of the quarter following a punt. Gorsuch, who completed 13 of 17 passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns in the game, shoveled the ball to Glen Clinton for 39 yards that put the Eagles inside the 10-yard line. Following two runs from Clinton, Gorsuch found his way into the end zone on a 3-yard option run.
Chadron State added to its lead later in the quarter when Rivera returned a fumble nine yards to the Cowboys’ 5-yard line. On the next play, Gorsuch found Jeremy Sondrup in the corner for a 5-yard TD.
Chadron State, which didn’t have a scoring drive over 50 yards the entire game, continued to take advantage of field position in the second quarter after a punt from Highlands only traveled six yards to the 16-yard line. Clinton, who led CSC with 47 yards, burst through the line for a 13-yard gain and two plays later Gorsuch found Nathan Ross for a 4-yard TD.
Following Rivera’s interception return, the Eagles owned a 36-0 lead at halftime.
The Eagles, however, weren’t the only beneficiaries from fumbles. Highlands got on the board early in the third quarter when Tony Udley recovered a Chadron State fumble at the 41-yard line. Udley advanced to the 28-yard line and then pitched the ball to Virdell Larkins, who took it the final 28 yards for the score.
Highlands’ other score came with less than two minutes to play when Barnard, who completed seven of 18 passes for 66 yards, found Williams over the middle for a 20-yard touchdown.
Barnard, who is listed on the Cowboy’s roster as a linebacker and even recorded a solo tackle in the game on defense, hadn’t thrown a pass all season but was thrust into the starting lineup since Highlands’ top three quarterbacks were out with injuries.
The game was not pretty. Highlands had just 206 yards of total offense and had as many turnovers as first downs (8), and both Highlands and Chadron State combined for 20 penalties.
The Eagles, who had the ball over 37 minutes, gained 283 yards of offense, but much of that was due to their average field position being at the Highlands’ 49-yard line.
James Belville led the CSC defense with six tackles. He also forced two fumbles and recovered another one.
In addition to Barnard’s role-reversal, Highlands’ starting outside linebacker Jordan Campbell played everywhere. He carried the ball five times for a game-high 60 yards, tallied nine tackles, including three for a loss, and averaged over 30 yards on four punts.
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The text of this update is courtesy of CSC Sports Information Director Alex Helmbrecht. For video from the game as well as box scores, see the CSC Athletics website. The Eagle’s staff are off for midterm break, regular updates will resume October 19.