SNOW OVERCOMES INJURIES
TO PICK UP WIN
by Adam Mason

Badgers Came Out Aggressive

Ephraim-It had to overcome the injury bug that hit, but No. 6 ranked Snow College (6-0, 8-1) defeated the Phoenix College Bears (2-3, 3-4) on Saturday 34-14.

Snow had three starters go down with injuries in the first half and had three starters that didn’t even dress up to play for Saturday’s game and even more players didn’t even practice during the week due to nursing some injuries.

“These guys played a tough game last week (against Eastern Arizona) where they got a little beat up,” said head coach Steve Coburn.

The Badgers came out aggressive and scored on their first drive to go ahead 7-0 with 8:25 remaining in the first quarter.  Snow quickly got the ball back from a fumble recovery that was recovered on Phoenix’s 16 yard line when sophomore running back Tyson Church (North Sanpete High School) ran in for a touchdown with 8:13 remaining in the first. Snow went into the half up 27-0.

“The offense came out real competitive in the first half,” said offensive coordinator Tyler Hughes. “Guys had a passion to play well.”

Then the second half came where Snow only had 80 yards in total offense compared to 251 yards in the first half. Snow only scored one touchdown in the third quarter and was held scoreless in the fourth.

“There was no consistency in the game at all,” Coburn said. “Offense is rhythmic, part of it was guys not being able to practice all week, but it was also there was just too many ‘controllable penalties called.’”

“There were just too many mental errors,” Hughes stated. “Just didn’t have enough concentration to play well.”

There wasn’t too much inconsistency with Snow’s defense. The Badgers held the Bears in check by only giving up 126 yards in the first half and 146 yards in the second half.

They also made key stops down the stretch including in the fourth quarter when Phoenix was faced with a fourth down and had the ball on Snow’s 20 yard line. Snow made a big tackle for loss to get the ball back and keep the momentum in their favor.

“We really just trust each other,” said freshman McKay Frandsen (American Fork High School). “Especially down on the goal line.”

“Without being cocky, we’re really confident in our defense,” said sophomore linebacker Bryn Roy.

Sophomore quarterback Quinn Mecham completed 17 of his 25 passes for 212 yards while throwing four touchdowns to two different receivers. Tyson Church had 18 carries for 72 yards including a 16 yard touchdown run.

Snow played its homecoming game today and will complete a three game home stand next Saturday against Scottsdale, who they beat in their first game of the season 37-28.