NCAA: Southern Oregon scores late to bury the SFU Clan

Ashland, OR – Austin Dodge and Manny Barragan led the way for the Southern Oregon Raiders as they defeated the SFU Clan 31-28 this afternoon in Ashland, OR.

Southern Oregon got on the board first, with an eight play scoring drive that ended in a 30 yard field goal by Tyler Crowley to make the score 3-0.

SFU dominated the rest of the quarter, starting with a 10 play drive, orchestrated by quarterback Trey Wheeler (Seattle, WA) that ended with a Bo Palmer (North Vancouver, BC) four yard touchdown run to put the Clan in front, 7-3.

On the next drive, Southern Oregon was attempting to punt, but the kick was blocked by the Clan and senior Nigel Palma (East Vancouver, BC) returned it for a touchdown to make it 14-3.

SFU kept piling on the points to begin the second quarter, scoring on a quick three play drive. Palmer (North Vancouver, BC) gained 37 yards on two rushes for SFU before quarterback Greg Bowcott (Abbotsford, BC) dashed into the end zone from six yards out to make the score 21-3 in favour of SFU.

The tides turned in favour of the Raiders for the rest of the half.

Southern Oregon started to cut into the SFU lead in style. On second and 10 from the 50-yard line, quarterback Austin Dodge connected with Patrick Donahue for a 50 yard touchdown reception, making it 21-10 for SFU.

After the Clan went three and out, Southern Oregon took the ball back and cut into the SFU lead once again. Starting at their own two-yard line, Southern Oregon drove the ball to the SFU 23-yard line and then went to the ground game, as Manny Barragan went on a 23 yard touchdown run.

The Raiders closed the first half with a 45 yard field goal to narrow the SFU lead to just one point.

Southern Oregon went on another long drive early in the third quarter. Marching down the field, it took them 17 plays to get to the SFU 23-yard line. Once they got there the Clan defence held them, forcing the Raiders to settle for a field goal that gave them their first lead of the game.

SFU responded immediately to re-take the lead. On their next drive Trey Wheeler found his favorite target BJ Bryant for 36 yard touchdown strike, tilting the score to 28-23 in the Clan’s favor.

The two teams traded possessions without putting anymore points on the board until late in the fourth quarter.

Southern Oregon got the final touchdown of the game when Dodge found Donahue again, this time with a 22 yard pass for the touchdown. The two point conversion attempt was good, giving Southern Oregon a 31-28 lead with just over a minute to play that they would not relinquish.

Austin Dodge had a big day for Southern Oregon, throwing for 314 yards and two touchdowns. Manny Barragan rushed for 203 yards and a touchdown and Patrick Donahue had 118 yards receiving and two touchdowns through the air.

The Clan’s Trey Wheeler threw for 155 yards this afternoon while Bo Palmer had 147 yards and a touchdown on the ground. BJ Bryant continued his big season with 78 receiving yards and a touchdown. Casey Chin (Port Moody, BC) led SFU with 10 tackles and four assisted.

SFU will be back on the road next week when they travel to California to face Humboldt State next Saturday, October 29th at 6:00pm.