MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon (7-2) secured a 31-3 victory over Midwestern State (2-7) at McArthur Field, dominating with 476 total offensive yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
Midwestern State started the game on defense after deferring the opening kickoff, allowing the Wolves to gain some early yards. However, the defense held firm, forcing a punt after a series of penalties pushed the Wolves back. The Mustangs' first offensive drive featured a mix of short gains, highlighted by
Jaden Coulter's rushes and
Jakolby Longino's passing, which moved the team into Wolves territory but ultimately ended in a punt.
Western Oregon took over at its own 1-yard line, but MSU's defense stood resilient. Key tackles for loss by
Pelumi Olanipekun and
Emmanuel Arinze stalled Western Oregon's progress, leading to another punt. The quarter ended with both teams unable to capitalize on their drives, leaving the score tied at 0-0.
In the second quarter, the Maroon & Gold defense held strong early, forcing the Wolves to attempt a 34-yard field goal, which was missed.
Charles McKnight and
Noah Bustard then delivered a crucial sack on Western Oregon's Jordan McCarty, resulting in a turnover on downs at the MSU 30-yard line.
Subsequently,
Akil Edwards made a pivotal interception at the MSU26, halting the Wolves' advance and shifting momentum back to MSU. Although
Jorge Mendoza managed two solid punts, both teams struggled to convert drives into points. The half closed with a missed 45-yard field goal attempt by
Kohen Maroney, keeping the score at 0-0.
The third quarter began with the Mustangs receiving the kickoff, but the drive stalled after a holding penalty and two consecutive plays resulting in losses.
Jorge Mendoza punted, giving possession to the Wolves. Defensive pressure from McKnight resulted in a sack, stalling the Wolves' drive and leading to a punt.
MSU regained the ball and advanced to the Wolves' 10-yard line, highlighted by
Josh Thomas's 35-yard pass to
Demonte Greene. However, the drive concluded with a successful 22-yard field goal by Maroney, making the score 7-3 in favor of the Wolves.
Western Oregon responded with a 34-yard touchdown run by Terayon Sweet, extending their lead. The Maroon & Gold's subsequent drive ended with a punt after a few incomplete passes. The Wolves then capitalized on a 52-yard touchdown pass from McCarty to Carson Workman, closing the quarter with a 14-3 lead.
The fourth quarter began with the Wolves extending their lead through a series of strong rushing plays, culminating in a 17-yard touchdown run by Jermaine Land, followed by a successful extra point. MSU's ensuing drive was halted early by an interception thrown by Thomas, which set up the Wolves in advantageous field position. Despite a defensive effort by McKnight that led to a loss of yards for the Wolves, a subsequent penalty on a punt attempt gave the home team a fresh set of downs, which they converted into a field goal, increasing their lead to 24-3.
MSU's next possession saw some success when
Canyon Evans connected with
David Tyson for a 27-yard gain on a crucial fourth down. However, the drive was thwarted by a sack and a forced punt. The Wolves capitalized on their next drive with a series of completions, including a 40-yard pass, setting up a short touchdown pass to Isaiah Rickard, further extending their lead. MSU made a final attempt to close the gap, highlighted by an 11-yard rush by
Reginald Williams and a pass interference penalty that advanced them into Wolves' territory. However, time expired with the score remaining 31-3 in favor of the Wolves.
McKnight stood out defensively for the Mustangs, recording seven total tackles and 1.5 sacks. On the offensive side, Coulter contributed with 34 rushing yards on 12 carries and added two receptions for 9 yards. Edwards made a notable impact with four total tackles and an interception. Maroney added to the scoreboard, successfully converting one of his two field goal attempts with a long of 22 yards.
The Wolves' offensive performance was led by junior quarterback McCarty, who threw for 201 yards on 13-of-22 passing, including one touchdown. Senior wide receiver Rickard contributed with a touchdown reception, his lone catch covering 18 yards. On the ground, junior running back Land made an impact with 94 rushing yards on 15 carries, finding the end zone once. Freshman Workman showcased his versatility with a 52-yard receiving touchdown, adding to his 10 rushing yards.
Defensively, junior defensive lineman Nijawn Sterling stood out with seven total tackles and 1.5 sacks. Defensive back Kam Forest, a junior, added an interception, while senior linebacker Malcolm Liufau recorded five tackles and one sack.
The next challenge for the Maroon & Gold is set for Saturday, Nov. 8, as they face West Texas A&M at Memorial Stadium. The game will kick off at 1 p.m. CT.
MSU holds a record of 2-7 overall and 2-5 in conference play. The Wolves have a 7-2 overall record and are 6-1 in conference competition.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
