Cats run wild, edge Mustangs

The Bobcat football team found its footing on Saturday, Nov. 3 as they bounced back into the win column after defeating the Cal Poly Mustangs 49-42. Several Bobcat rushers zoomed past Mustang defenders as the Bobcats ran for their fourth-best total of all-time, with a staggering 430 yards on the ground. Freshman running back Isaiah Ifanse was at the forefront of the attack with an incredible 227 yards, the best total rushing yards by a freshman in program history. To put his outstanding day in perspective, it was also the seventh most by any Bobcat in a single game.

The Cats’ scoring started on their opening drive via a shovel pass to senior running back Logan Jones from junior wide receiver Travis Jonsen, which Jones took 17 yards to the house. Ifanse scampered 74 yards five minutes later to put the Cats up 14-0 midway through the first quarter. The Mustangs responded to tighten the score with a 10-play drive ending in a two-yard touchdown dive.

The second quarter started with sophomore quarterback Troy Andersen rocketing past the Mustang defense for an impressive 51-yard touchdown run. Another Cal Poly touchdown pulled the Mustangs to within seven. The Cats seized the momentum heading into halftime as Jonsen found his way into the end zone to give the Cats a 14-point cushion.

The Bobcats special teams forced a fumble on the second half opening kickoff. Two plays later, Ifanse navigated the defense for his second score of the game from 29 yards out. After a second fumble recovered by the Cats, Ifanse completed his hat trick with a 28-yard touchdown run. The Mustangs pulled within 14 before Andersen responded with a 49-yard touchdown. A late comeback by the Mustangs fell short with senior tight end Conor Sullivan recovering the onside kick with a mere four seconds left to seal the deal for the Cats.

With an impressive rushing game, the Cats’ offensive line deserves much of the admiration as they continued their strong blocking efforts from last week’s 252 rushing yards gained against Idaho State. The Cats complete their impressive home season on Nov. 10 against long time rival the University of Northern Colorado. Many Bobcat seniors will be competing in their final home game before journeying to Missoula on Nov. 17 for the annual Brawl of the Wild contest.