(ST George. UT) The Dixie State College Football opened its football season this evening at Hansen Stadium playing host to #11 Central Washington University. Dixie State lost the game 44-38 in Overtime.

Entering the game. the Wildcats were favored heavily. The Dixie State offense. lead by QB Dexter Hill (Pocatello. ID/Highland HS). complied 411 yards of total offense. Hill was 21-32 for 296 yards with 2TD's and an interception.

Dixie State took the lead 38-35 with 30 seconds left on the clock and could not hold back the highly touted Central Washington Offense. After a squib kick they ran six plays and marched 32 yards that was capped off by a 44 yard Garrett Rolsma FG with time expiring.

In overtime. Central Washington won the toss and elected to let Dixie State have the ball first. Dixie State's drive was ended when Hill's pass intercepted in the endzone. Central Washington then took over and on the first play JR Hasty scampered for a 25 yard TD that helped the #11 ranked team escape St. George with a victory.

Dixie State was led by Skyler Ence (St George. UT/Pine View)'s 7 receptions for 114 yards and TD and Tauni Vakapuna (North Salt Lake. UT/Hunter HS)'s 20 rushes for 88 yards and a TD. Dixie State will play host to Western New Mexico University next Saturday. The game is slated to begin at 7:05 PM.