BADGERS BLANK THUNDERBIRDS
by Greg Dart

No. 9 Snow Ups Record to 5-1 With 44-0 Win

MESA, AZ. – The Snow College defense flexed its muscle with a 44-0 shutout victory over Mesa Community College Saturday.

The Badgers gave up only 170 total yards, held the Thunderbirds to minus 23 yards rushing and collected seven sacks in the victory.

“Our defense played a complete game,” said head coach Steve Coburn. “We started with zeros on the board and ended with zeros on the board. You don’t get better than that.”

The Snow offense jumped out quickly, scoring 13 points in the first quarter and cruised to the easy victory.

Quarterback Quinn Mecham (Timpview High School) was 16-28 for 260 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a seven-yard score in the Badgers  first shutout of the year. Tight end Jordan Lower (Ogden High School) was Mecham’s favorite target, catching six balls for 78 yards and two touchdowns.

The running game was equally impressive with running back Tyson Church (North Sanpete High School) picking up 95 yards on 15 carries and running back BJ McKenzie picking 59 yards and two touchdowns.

“Overall, I feel really good about how we are coming together as a team,” said Coburn. “We are improving every game and making strides in the right direction.”

Mesa had a few opportunities to score, but key plays by Badger defenders kept the shutout in tact. Defensive back Preston Hadley (Pleasant Grove High School) broke up a pass in the endzone in the second quarter and Matt Harward (American Fork High School) blocked a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter to hold the Thunderbirds scoreless.

The win moves the Badgers to 5-1 overall and 3-0 n Western States Football League play. Snow College travels to Pima Community College Saturday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live at www.snowbadgers.com.