Second-Half Comeback Falls Short, UMW Football Upended By #14 Carroll 42-34

UMW Sports Report

Dillon, Mont. – The Montana Western football team (4-2, 1-1 FC West) fell to #14 Carroll College (5-1, 2-0 FC West) 42-34 Saturday afternoon at Bulldog Stadium. A 14-point fourth quarter got the Bulldogs within striking distance, but a late interception stopped the momentum in its track.

"Highly embarrassed with how we played," Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. "Carroll desired the win so much more than us and that's what is the most disappointing with the loss. Carroll played well and harder than us, and the way we played to lose the game the game is what disappoints the most. We will rebound on Monday, make improvements and put the work in to get ready for a good COI on the road."

Western tallied 349 yards of total offense, including 329 passing yards. UMW earned 23 first downs and converted on five third downs.

Michael Palandri led the Bulldogs with 329 passing yards and three passing TDs in the game, including a long of 46 yards. He was sacked four times and was picked off on three occasions by the Fighting Saints defense.

Aidan Lammers ran for a team-high 16 yards one touchdown. On the receiving end, Seth Shook caught for a team-best 137 yards and one TD while Eli Nourse added 114 yards and two touchdown catches.

Defensively, Keegan Muffich led the game with 10 total tackles, including a game-best eight solo efforts and also forced (and recovered) a fumble in the game.

Tyler Walker compiled a game-high 2.5 TFLs for nine yards while Devin Crow had a game-best 2.0 sacks, also for nine yards.

Connor Dunlea earned a pick six with an interception returned for a 26-yard touchdown to make it an eight-point game late in the fourth.

LOOKING AHEAD 

The Bulldogs are back in action next week when they compete at College of Idaho Oct. 18. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. MT