CALDWELL, Idaho - The Red Hawks football squad dropped its conference opener today on the road at Simplot Stadium as they fell to No.1 in the nation, the College of Idaho, 56-14.
A defensive battle in the first quarter saw the Yotes take the first lead of the game as they scored on a seven-yard touchdown run by Rylie Bylington to cap off a six play dive that covered 43 yards as they took advantage of good field position after a turnover on downs.
The Yotes offense caught fire in the second quarter as they found the endzone on all three of their offensive possessions. The Yotes pounded the run game as quarterback Caden Young found the endzone on a six-yard scamper, Ryken Echohawk broke through for a 43-yard touchdown run, and Bylington found the endzone for the second time in the game on a 19-yard touchdown run to end the first half.
Bylington picked up where he left off as he capped off the Yotes' first possession of the second half, as he found the endzone for the third time on the day.
The Red Hawks answered as they scored on their first possession of the second half, as they marched 88 yards on 10 plays, as
D'ante Benjamin found the endzone on a three-yard touchdown run to cut into the Yotes' lead.
College of Idaho countered with another touchdown scoring drive to extend its lead to 41-7. Simpson answered again as
Ya'j Vance connected with freshman
Ivan Huerta for a 17-yard touchdown pass to close out the third quarter.
The deficit proved too much for the Red Hawks as the Yotes added 14 insurance points in the fourth quarter to close out the 56-14 victory to begin conference play.
Ivan Huerta highlighted the Red Hawks' offensive performances as he hauled in four passes for 98 yards and one score.
Peter Babineaux and
Braden Heath led the defense with six total tackles.
Mike MacNeill registered the lone sack of the day for Simpson, while
William Weathington posted one interception.
The Red Hawks look to bounce back this week Saturday, as they take on Southern Oregon at 6 pm in Ashland, OR.
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