Box Score MONMOUTH, OREGON – During Saturday's conference opener at Western Oregon University, the Dixie State Red Storm football team had the lead for the majority of the second half. A nine-point lead halfway through the third quarter disappeared with a Wolves' TD and a field goal late in the fourth. Western Oregon handed Dixie State a 17-16 loss in front of 1,850 fans at McArthur Field in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference battle.

Freshman kicker Kelly Morgan booted a 46-yard field goal with 3:39 left in the game to move Western Oregon (2-1, 2-0) to the top of the GNAC's standings. After a season-opening win, Dixie State (1-3, 0-1 GNAC) has followed up with three consecutive road losses.

Judd Thompson (Crystal Lake. IL/Prarie Ridge HS) overcame a shaky first half to complete 25 of 44 passes for 181 yards with an interception. Additionally, the QB ran the rock eight times for ten yards and a score. For the first time this season, Thompson did not pass for a TD.

Eight Dixie State receivers recorded at least one catch. The squad was led by Skyler Ence (St George. UT/Pine View) with six receptions and Grant Jiminez (Orem. UT/Timpanogos) with 39 receiving yards.

The running game for the third straight contest stalled. Thompson, Tauni Vakapuna (North Salt Lake. UT/Hunter HS) and Adam Wells (Kenmore. WA/Inglemoor) totaled 17 net yards on 15 carries – an average of 1.1 yards a carry.

After holding the ball for just 7:34 in the first half, the Red Storm trailed 7-6 entering the mid-game break. WOU quarterback Josh Riddell connected on a 52-yard score to WR Trevor Gates in the first quarter. DSC responded with a defensive score – Nick Cragin (Issaquah, WA/Skyline) intercepted a tipped pass and scampered 53 yards into the end zone. The extra point attempt from Mike Langston (Riverside, CA/Ramona) was blocked to keep the Red Storm down by a point.

Dixie State took their first lead 13-7 with two minutes into the second half on Thompson's 11-yard scamper to the corner of the end zone capping a seven play, 73 yard drive.

The lead increased to 16-7 when Langston booted a 31-yard field goal with 6:15 left in the third quarter.

Riddell hooked up with Gates for a second TD three minutes later – a 34-yard pass thrown right up the middle to get Western Oregon within two points.

The teams traded punts on four straight possessions before WOU defensive back Miguel Gonzalez intercepted a Thompson pass deep inside the red zone. Using short pass routes to WR Sean Fullerton, Western Oregon pushed the ball down to the 29-yard line before Morgan kicked the game-winner.

Western Oregon outgained the Storm 490-198, but fumbled the ball five times (recovered four) and was penalized 14 times for 151 yards.

Dixie State returns home Saturday, September 26 at 7:05pm for another GNAC contest against Humboldt State. Last season, the Storm defeated Humboldt twice by scores of 16-6 and 19-15.

Tickets can be purchased online at DixieAtheltics.com. Listen to all of the live action on KURR 103.1FM with the voice of the Red Storm, John Potter and Dr. Phil Tuckett.