SWOSU Slips Past UMR, 31-29

October 7, 2006

WEATHERFORD -- Southwestern Oklahoma State University saved its best offensive game for when it needed it most to get past high-scoring Missouri Rolla, 31-29. The two teams combined for nearly 900 yards and eight touchdowns in a back-and-forth football shootout Saturday at Milam Stadium in Weatherford.

The victory improved SWOSU to 3-3 on the season and gave the Bulldogs a much-needed boost as they head into Lone Star Conference play. SWOSU closes the season with five straight games against LSC North Division foes. UMR, who beat the Bulldogs last year 20-9 in Rolla, Mo., fell to 2-4 with the loss.

SWOSU quarterback Jimmy Sangster completed 18-of-27 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns. His last TD toss put SWOSU ahead 31-22 with 2:19 to play when he connected with Patrick Weaver on a seven-yard scoring play.

SWOSU relied on a balanced attack rushing and passing while the Miners were strictly one-dimensional behind strong-armed quarterback Joe Winters. The Bulldogs gained 212 yards on the ground and 229 yards in the air.

Winters, who leads NCAA Division II in passing, improved on his gaudy numbers by completing 31-of-60 passes for 416 yards and four touchdowns. The Miners only rushed 17 times and netted 40 yards on the ground.

Bulldog tailback Reshard Dudley had his second 100-plus yard rushing game of the season gaining 110 yards on 25 carries. His previous 100-yard effort came when he gained 118 yards against Oklahoma Panhandle State.

The Bulldogs appeared headed to a comfortable victory early in the third period. SWOSU marched 80 yards in six plays and completed the drive when Sangster found a wide-open Beau Dodson for a 22-yard scoring pass. The point after was good and the Bulldogs led 24-13 with 9:08 remaining in the third period.

UMR answered later with a 39-yard field goal by Tim Valencia to trim SWOSU’s lead to 24-16 with 2:12 in the third quarter.

Winters was not done yet as he moved the Miners again this time on a 10-play, 76-yard drive. He connected with Brandon Landry on a nine-yard scoring toss to move the Miners within two points at 24-22. The point after attempt failed and SWOSU remained in front.

Defensively, the Bulldogs made their stand on the Miner’s next possession holding to a 24-22 lead. Winters and UMR had the ball and 8:45 left in the game. However, the Bulldogs knocked away three passes on successive plays by Matt Steward, Ryan O’Shields and Trent Pratt to force a punt.

Statistically, Falante Hill led the Bulldogs in tackles with nine while teammate Ruzell McCoy was next with eight. Greg Franklin blocked two kicks, one a punt and the other an extra point attempt.

The Bulldogs will next play Saturday at two-time defending LSC North Champion Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. in Durant.