Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Big Red Sports

[Click to enlarge]

Everyone was a little shocked on Saturday at McArthur Field. Certainly the Western football team was favored over the Humboldt State Lumberjacks, but the final score of 64-0 was unimaginable. The game marked the most points the Wolves have scored in a single game since 1934, back before helmets were even required to play the game. For the 'Jacks, it was their worst loss since 1986. The win, as well as Dixie State's 42-9 loss to Southern Oregon, greatly increased Western's chance of going to the Rotary Bowl in Utah on Dec. 1.

The game itself was anything but clean. It was characterized not only by the Wolves' stifling defense, but by turnovers and interceptions. The final count for Humboldt was five fumbles, four of which were lost, and two interceptions. The Big Red Machine did not show domination in the turnover category either. They gave up four of their seven fumbles, including one on the opening kickoff and threw one interception.

The Wolves' defense was more than just stout. They gave Humboldt's passers little time in the pocket, recording seven sacks for a total loss of 53 yards. Even combining those statistics with the Lumberjacks' positive yardage plays, their total net yardage for the day was negative five yards.


The Wolves' offense obviously didn't slouch either, other than in their ball-handling. They punted only twice on the day, and had eight offensive scoring possessions. Senior quarterback Mark Thorson continued his record-breaking career with four touchdowns and only one interception for an NCAA passer rating of 180.1. Despite running back Ben Kuenzi's injured hand, the Western running game was in force as well. Steven Vedder broke a 74-yard touchdown run to finish with 99 yards on just eight carries, but it was Tyler Wilson who carried most of the day, finishing with 95 yards on 24 carries.

The Wolves finished the 2007 regular season strong and it was also certainly a memorable sendoff for their senior players. All that remains is to hope for postseason play. With host Dixie State going just 3-8 on the season, it seems likely that Rotary Bowl officials will look for a more competitive team to play in the game. On Nov. 13, the Rotary Bowl director Gary Benson extended an invitation to the Wolves to play the Colorado Mines Orediggers on Dec. 1.•

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools