(RMC release)
BILLINGS – The No. 16 ranked Rocky Mountain College Battlin’ Bears (5-2, 4-2 FC) roared to a 52-13 victory over Montana State Northern Saturday as part of Rocky’s Homecoming festivities.
Rocky spread the ball around as seven different Battlin’ Bears found the end zone during the game. Sam Sparks opened up the game with a one-yard rushing touchdown. Shortly afterwards, a pair of long bombs by Jacob Bakken to Max Gray and Brandon Mosely put the Battlin’ Bears up 21-0 in the first fifteen minutes.
Rocky’s Drew Korf found Taylor Schwartz for a 49 yard touchdown in the second quarter, which was followed quickly by a Dillon Johnson field goal as the Battlin’ Bears held a 38-0 lead before halftime.
Shortly before the half, the Lights were able to finally put up points with a long hail mary from Tommy Wilson to Marvin Williams Jr. A blocked extra point by Rocky’s Ryder Rice would give the Lights only six points as the first half closed.
Rocky would score off a two-yard Cody McCombs’ rush to give the Battlin’ Bears a 45-6 advantage early in the third. At the end of the quarter, the Lights were pushing deep into Rocky territory. Sam Mix took a pass to Rocky’s one yard line before Ty Reynolds punched the ball out. Kendell Jefferson recovered and Bakken made the most of the opportunity with a 47 yard touchdown pass to Darneail Jenkins in the fourth quarter.
Bakken once again proved to be a force on the ground and through the air. The senior quarterback threw for four touchdowns and 363 yards while leading the team in rushing yards with 57.
McCombs rushed for 54 yards and a touchdown. Sparks added 43 yards and a touchdown on the ground as well. Gray scored his ninth touchdown of the season while leading the team in receiving. He pulled in four catches for 83 yards.
On defense, Dallas Mack paved the way with 10 tackles. Chase Bertelsen nabbed another nine. Kendell Jefferson broke up four passes to add to his fumble recovery.
The Battlin’ Bears will face rival Carroll College next week in Helena, Mont. That action will kick off at 1:00 p.m.
