BADGERS FIRST LOSS OF THE SEASON
by Jacob L. Thomas

The Dixie State pep band’s rendition of Star Wars’ “Imperial March” served as a fitting tribute to their football team’s performance against Snow College Oct. 15 in St. George. Dominating the field in the second half with a Darth Vader-like presence, the Dixie State Rebels ended Snow College’s six-game winning streak, defeating the Badgers 48-21.

Unable to overcome offensive misfortune and the Rebels’ Homecoming-game advantage, the Badgers failed to win in the final match-up against their long-time rival. With Dixie’s advancement into higher division play effective next year, the game served as the last time the two colleges would face each other.

In past games this season, Snow College relied heavily on defensive prowess to make up for a shorthanded offense. But against the confederate flag-sporting Rebels, it wasn’t enough.

Snow garnered 228 offensive yards, compared to Dixie’s 383 yards. 120 passing yards compared to 236 yards. 108 yards rushing stacked up against 236 yards. Three interceptions Dixie converted into 91 yards. Three third-down conversions and no fourth-down conversions.

The numbers speak for themselves.

It looked like a rout as the Badgers started strong with a 14-point lead — in all reality, it was. Losing all momentum heading into the second quarter, their defense would melt in the face of seven touchdowns, four in the final quarter alone.

Both quarterbacks had a rough game on the field. Cade Cooper had little playing time after throwing away two out of four passes and gaining no yardage. James Pritchard passed for 120 yards, but had a hard time finding receivers — he was forced to run 11 times, seizing 42 yards in his own right and the final 5-yard Snow College touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Running back Matt Asiata was effective in the first half, rushing for 45 yards with 7.5 per carry, including the first 25-yard touchdown. Ryan Neeley caught Snow’s second touchdown with a 21-yard pass from Pritchard — his only game reception. Tight end Clay Bayard and receiver Alex Richards also caught one pass apiece for 50 and 21 yards respectively.

Standing now at 6-1, the Badgers face the Scottsdale Community College Artichokes in Arizona this Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

The Snow College games can be heard locally on KMTI-Am 650 and right here on SnowBadgers.com