Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information
DILLON, Mont. — The Montana Western football team (8-1, 6-1) took down the no. 14 ranked and previously undefeated in conference play Carroll College (7-2, 6-1) in a 27-14 victory at Bulldog Stadium.
How It Happened
After a strong defensive stand by the Bulldogs forced the Saints to punt on their opening drive, the Saints responded by pinning UMW deep in their own territory.
The next drive for the Bulldogs set off a chain of unfortunate events, as the Saints defense made a pair of huge plays, forcing a fumble that Braeden Orlandi returned for a touchdown. Carroll would take the first lead with 12:36 on the clock.
Once again, the Bulldogs would fumble on their next drive handing the ball back to the Saints in less than 25 seconds.
Despite the grim start, James Ochs sacked Carroll's quarterback Jack Prka on fourth and one to shake alive the Bulldogs. With just under 30 seconds until the second quarter, Palandri would hit Eli Nourse for a 32-yard touchdown pickup to tie the game at seven heading into the second quarter.
Just before the half, John Mears connected on a 36-yard field goal to give Western a 10-7 lead heading into the break.
Western's second half opening drive was successful as Mears hit his second field goal of the game, this time from 43 yards out to put Western up 13-7.
The Carroll defense answered shortly after as they forced another fumble, setting up a strike from Jack Prka to Carson Ochoa on the next play to lead 14-13 at the start of the fourth quarter.
The Western defense produced its first turnover of the day at a crucial moment as Keegen Muffich intercepting Prka and returned it to the Carroll 29-yard line. Three plays later, Pete Gibson pushed it in from the one-yard line, putting the Bulldogs back on top 20-14.
After depleting the clock to just under a minute left in the game, Gibson would provide the last punch as he rushed it in for a 10-yard touchdown to give UMW a 27-14 lead.
With no timeouts left, the Saints' last-ditch effort was stifled as Aiden Prado picked off Prka with just five seconds to play to cap the game with UMW on top.
Notables
UMW's defense held Carroll to a mere 167 yards of total offense, with just 36 yards coming on the ground.
Palandri threw for 239 yards and a touchdown, despite being sacked five times in the win. He also led the Bulldog ground game with 89 total rushing yards.
Gibson impressed on the ground, rushing for 48 yards and two touchdowns.
Nourse led with 114 yards in the air and a touchdown.
Muffich led the defense with seven tackles and an interception which he returned for 29 yards.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will close the regular season with a road contest against the Eastern Oregon Mounties (5-5, 4-3) next Saturday Nov. 16 at 2pm.
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