Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information
DILLON, Mont. — The no. 6 ranked Montana Western football team (6-1, 4-1) routed the Arizona Christian Firestorm this afternoon in a 69-7 homecoming victory.
The Bulldogs finished off with a whopping 740 yard of total offense, breaking the team record for total offensive yards in a game that was set in 2021 against Rocky Mountain College.
Michael Palandri threw for seven touchdowns, recorded a rushing touchdown, and totaled 431 passing yards in the game. Palandri's seven touchdowns broke the individual record for touchdown passes in a game set by three Bulldog alumni at six total.
In addition, Eli Nourse broke the single game touchdown reception record that was held by 11 Bulldog alumni at three in a game when we recorded four touchdown receptions.
How It Happened
After forcing a turnover on downs on the opening drive, Montana Western pushed down the field in just two minutes to score on a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dylan Shipley.
The following UMW drive saw a quick pass to Shipley for 51-yards, followed by a touchdown pass to Coby Tanioka from 24 yards out.
Nourse capped off the quarter by closing out a six-play 73-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown pass to take a 21-0 lead into the second quarter.
UMW would cash in on two quick scores in the beginning of the second quarter. The first on a 77-yard touchdown rush by Jake Humphrey. The second coming on a 63-yard touchdown pass to Nourse.
Nourse was the target twice more before the end of the first half. The first on a 31-yard touchdown reception and the second on a 33-yard touchdown reception to send UMW into the half up 49-0.
Palandri was the hero in the opening drive of the second half, rushing it in for a five-yard touchdown rush that capped off a seven-play 75-yard drive.
UMW's defense continued to hold down the fort and James Ochs recovered a fumble on UMW's 15-yard line to bring the offense back on the field.
Palandri once again helped UMW to find the end zone, this time on a touchdown pass to tight end Matthew Heer from five yards out.
Up 62-0, Kaden Jenks checked into the game at quarterback for the fourth quarter, tossing up an 11-yard touchdown pass to Seth Shook that capped off a seven play, 45-yard drive.
Despite ACU recording their lone score of the game, the Bulldogs would close the game out on top at 69-7.
Notables
UMW recorded 740 yards of offense, with an impressive 457 yards through the air.
Palandri threw for 431 passing yards and seven touchdowns. Jenks stepped in and threw a touchdown of his own with 26 passing yards.
Nourse led the Bulldogs with nine receptions for 214 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Humphrey led on the ground with 134 rushing yards and a 77-yard touchdown rush.
Nine Bulldog defenders recorded tackles for loss in the game, with Jace Fitzgerald recording 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will prepare for a road trip next week to Havre, Mont. where they will face the MSU-Northern Lights on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.
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