BURNABY, BC ā Simon Fraser University gave up a 75-yard touchdown run and the lead with nine minutes left in the game, and then couldnāt pull off a comeback in a 38-35 loss to Dixie State Saturday at Swangard Stadium.
Simon Fraser took the lead 27-24 with 10 minutes left in the game after QB Ryan Stanford threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to WR Justin Buren. But on the second play of the following series, Dixie State RB DeJon Coleman scored on a 75-yard run to give the Red Storm the lead for good.
After the Clan went four-and-out, DSU scored again on its next possession, when QB Tyson Blackner scored from three yards out, capping an eight play drive that was set up by a Blackner 59-yard pass to Nate Stephens.
That touchdown gave the Red Storm a 38-27 lead with four minutes to go. And the Clan comeback was on.
Simon Fraser pulled to within 38-35 with 2:19 left in the game after Stanford hit WR Christian Berger on a 19-yard touchdown pass, capping an 8 play drive that used up just 1:41 on the clock and pulled the Clan to within a field goal.
After the SFU defence forced the Red Storm into a four-and-out and just 34 seconds ran off the clock, Simon Fraser got the ball back with 1:40 left in the game. The Clan made it to midfield before turning the ball over on downs.
The Red Storm overcame three turnovers and steady rainfall for the first three quarters of the game to earn the victory. The win improves the Stormās record to a 2-4 overall record and 1-2 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference action. SFU falls to 0-4 overall and 0-1 in GNAC play.
The teams were tied 10-10 at the half.
Dixie State outgained Simon Fraser 499-341, one yard shy of its second consecutive game with at least 500 yards of total offense. The Storm delivered a balanced attack, rushing for 252 yards and passing for 247.
Ryan Stanford was 27-of-57 for 283-yards and four touchdowns. Ā Berger had six receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown while Buren had four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. Clan tight end Andrew Pauls caught TD passes of 11 and 19 yards from Stanford.
Junior running back Ante Milanovic-Litre had 18 carries for 66 yards.
The Clan defence was led by middle linebacker Jordan Herdman with 13 tackles and safety Ben Minaker with nine.
Blackner completed 12-of-31 passes for two touchdowns and one interception in his first collegiate start. Coleman rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Stephens led the receiving corps with 133 yards and a touchdown on five catches.
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
CFC Youth Game Spotlight: Powerhouse Alberta OT demonstrates maturity and immense potential
