GUNNISON, Colo. – For the second straight week, Western Colorado University notched a win against a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference opponent. Saturday, the Mountaineers handed Black Hills State University a 28-6 loss in Mountaineer Bowl.
 
The day could not have started much better for the Mountaineers. Western (2-7, 2-6 RMAC) took the ball 75 yards on four plays on the very first possession of the game to go ahead 7-0 after playing just 1:39.
 
Bryan Evans ran the ball into the end zone from 20-yards out for the first score of the game. Evans finished the game with 43 rushing yards and one touchdown.
 
The Mountaineer defense forced a BHSU three-and-out on the following possession. On the punt return, Western's Bryce Harvey took it 56 yards to the Yellow Jackets' 24-yard line.
 
Quarterback Dylan Jacob connected with Kai Emmsley from 19-yards out to put the Mountaineers ahead 14-0 after just 3:22 had gone by in the game.
 
Jacob threw for two touchdowns on the day, including a 17-yard scoring pass to Brandon Storebo with 1:09 left in the second quarter.
 
After the late first half score, the Mountaineer defense forced one of four turnovers. Linebacker Darrious Gaines rushed the outside on third-and-long, beating the Yellow Jacket offensive line and strip-sacking the quarterback. Gaines grabbed the fumble and rumbled to the 2-yard line before being stopped just short of the end zone with 27 seconds remaining in the half.
 
Running back Isaac Fuqua punched it in and the Mountaineers went into halftime, leading 28-0.
 
Fuqua led the Mountaineers in rushing, recording 102 yards on the ground and averaged 6.4 yards per carry.
 
Saturday was the first time this season the Mountaineers held an opponent scoreless in the first half.
 
The only second-half score, came from BHSU (2-7, 2-7 RMAC). The Yellow Jackets scored on an 11-yard pass and catch in the middle of the third quarter.
 
Despite not scoring in the second half, the Mountaineer defense forced three Yellow Jacket interceptions.
 
David Velazquez had two interceptions, making him the second Mountaineer in as many games to record a two-interception game. Josh Nelson made two interceptions against Fort Lewis College last week.
 
Dominick Fletcher also recorded an interception. It was his second of the season.
 
Desmond Marfizo led the Mountaineers in tackles, recording 13.
 
The Mountaineers' special teams play helped maintain a first-half shutout of BHSU. On a 40-yard field goal attempt at the 8:01 mark of the first quarter, Will Lydle broke through the line and blocked the Yellow Jacket kick.
 
Zach Manchester led Western in receiving, catching four passes for 50 yards.
 
Jacob connected with 10 receivers for the second consecutive game.
 
The Mountaineers will look to keep their winning streak alive next Saturday against New Mexico Highlands in Las Vegas, New Mexico.