Game 11 of the Night - Season 140
Previous GotN Prediction: Fort Lewis 27 - New Mexico Highlands 20
Result: New Mexico Highlands 21 - Fort Lewis 20
Intro/comments/match-up: Turnovers and missed field goals were the story of this game. Regardless, congrats to coach Tbook for getting the win and keeping New Mexico Highlands' undefeated season intact.
Fort Lewis received the ball first and had a nice drive underway. From the NMH 39 yard line, they got greedy and ended up having the ball picked off at the 2 yard line.
Tonight, the "smart dog" is taking a journey to the rocky mountain state where New Mexico Highlands will put its undefeated record on the line against the home Fort Lewis team. After three punts, Fort Lewis went on a 70-yard drive for a touchdown and the early lead. Fort Lewis had a great opportunity to increase its lead but missed a 37-yard field goal. It stayed at 7-0 until just under 5 minutes left in the second quarter when NMH took advantage of great field position to drive 48-yards for a game tying score. Going into the third quarter following a NMH punt, Fort Lewis was able to connect on a 35-yard field goal to lead 10-7 with 11:42 left in the third quarter. NMH used an opening play 57-yard rush on the way to a 75-yard touchdown to take their first lead at 14-10. Fort Lewis responded right back with their own touchdown drive to take the lead back at 17-14. Fort Lewis got the ball back after a punt and promptly threw an intereception
that NMH returned to the 25-yard line. NMH took four plays to score their go-ahead touchdown and the 21-17 lead. On Fort Lewis' next possession, they missed their second field goal of the game, this time from 45-yards out. Following another punt by NMH, Fort Lewis wasted no time moving from their own 30 to inside the 10 when disaster struck again with a fumble. Fort Lewis was able to convert a 47-yard field goal on their first possession of the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 21-20. Fort Lewis had two more opportunities but ended up punting each time. After the second punt, NMH was able to run the last 2:45 off the clock for the win.
We are going back to Pennsylvania for a PSAC battle for a battle that will determine who wins the eastern division. #24 West Chester will try to stop their three game losing streak when they travel to Bloomsburg.
Team: West Chester
Coach: 2000champou # of Seasons: 11
Roster Breakdown:
Seniors: 14
Juniors: 8
Sophomores: 13
Freshmen: 15
Offensive Formations: Pro-set
Defensive Formations: 3-4
Key Wins: N/A
Losses: N/A
Comments: This game will be the first test for West Chester this season. West Chester's offense is lead by three seniors who have 90+ formation IQs. They can start seniors at QB, RB, TE, 1 WR, and 2 OL. Their other WR is a red-shirt junior. Offensive line has a junior and two red-shirt sophomores. Defense has a weak spot on the defensive line with one senior and five second year players. Linebacker is in the same boat with a red-shirt senior, a junior, and two sophomores which are back up by four freshmen. The defensive backfield is solid with four seniors and two juniors.
Team: Bloomsburg
Coach: Jms245 # of Seasons: 8
Roster Breakdown:
Seniors: 11
Juniors: 13
Sophomores: 11
Freshmen: 15
Offensive Formations: Pro-set
Defensive Formations: 4-3, Nickel
Losses: 45-57 to #11 Northern Michigan
Comments: Bloomsburg has steadily made progress from not making the playoffs in coach Jms245 first season. Then there were two first round losses followed by a second, a third, and another second round losses. Last season, the team made it into the semi-finals before losing. Depending on the way the brackets come out, Bloomsburg may take a step back this season before coming back as a major challenger next season. Offense has just four seniors, but six juniors. Defense is much more seasoned with seven seniors and six juniors.
Tonight's Prediction: In a game where both teams' strength will be lining up against each other, the "smart dog" is going with the proven team so far this season. Bloomsburg wins their fourth straight division title by winning 31-21.