PALO CEDRO, Calif. - The Red Hawks football squad kicked off conference play today as they fell to No. 25 in the nation, The College of Idaho, to begin the Frontier Conference Western Division play, 48-7. 

The Simpson offense had a methodical opening drive to begin the game as they converted on two big third downs to move the chains. 

This included a 14-yard scramble by quarterback Kaleb Anderson and a huge burst by Ezekiel Anderson for an 18-yard gain to move into Yotes territory. 

A crucial holding penalty against Simpson's offense helped the Yotes' defense get off the field as Louis Sanders pinned the Yotes deep in their own territory to begin their first drive of the game at their own 14-yard line. 

However, the Yotes offense marched 86 yards in four plays, capped off by a 37-yard pitch and catch to give College of Idaho the early lead as they added seven more points to close out the first quarter with the 14-0 lead. 

The Simpson defense made a huge play to begin the second quarter as defensive back Charlie Walden came up with a huge interception to deny the Yotes points in the red zone. 

But back-to-back interceptions aided the Yotes' offense as they extended their lead to 28 points.

The Red Hawks got on the board late in the second quarter as running back Eli Cortinas exploded for a 75-yard run that put the Red Hawks on the doorstep of the Yotes' end zone. 

A near disaster turned into points for the Red Hawks as quarterback John Romero fumbled the snap before recovering his own fumble to plow his way into the end zone to cut into the Yotes' lead. 

The Yotes found the end zone one more time before the half ended as they held on to the 35-7 lead. 

A quiet third quarter by both teams saw a defensive battle, limiting each offense to zero points. 

The Simpson defense had another huge red zone stop as cornerback Darren Miller picked up Simpson's second takeaway of the game on a tremendous leaping interception. 

The Yotes closed out the 48-7 victory as they put up 13 points, including two field goals and one touchdown. 

Cortinas had a huge game on the ground as he posted a 100-yard rushing game with 107 yards on the ground, including a huge 75-yard scamper. 

On defense, Miller and Walden picked up interceptions as they combined for three tackles, including a forced fumble by Walden. 

Nicholas Gonzalez led the defense with seven total tackles, with three being solo and 0.5 a tackle for a loss. 

Simpson looks to continue league play next Saturday at 7 pm as they welcome Southern Oregon to Bill Johnson Community Stadium. 
 

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