GUNNISON, Colo. --- The Western Colorado football team started their season off with a 23-10 victory over Chadron State College on Saturday afternoon at Mountaineer Bowl.
 
The Mountaineers (1-0 overall, 1-0 RMAC) put together a memorable performance on Saturday as they took to Mountaineer Bowl for the first time since the 2019 season. The team was able to take a 10-point lead heading into halftime and then managed to shut out the Eagles in the second half.
 
On their second drive of the game, Chadron State's Elijah Myles broke free for an 80-yard rushing touchdown to score the first points of the game, putting the Mountaineers down 7-0. That was the only touchdown Western Colorado allowed.
 
At the end of the half, the Mountaineers were up 20-10 after the Mountaineers put up 17 points in the second quarter with Connor Desch throwing for two touchdowns to Damian Macias and Malik White.
 
Desch completed 24 of 35 passes for a total of 231 yards and two touchdowns, with only throwing one interception.
 
Josh Cummings helped open up the passing game as he led the Mountaineers with 21 carries in Saturday's game. Allowing Cole Riters to have over 100-yards receiving, as Riters put up 112-yards in only six receptions.
 
The Western Colorado defense worked together to hold the Eagles to only 10 points, as five Mountaineers recorded seven or more tackles led by Robert Garlock with 10 total tackles in the game. Lane Farris recorded nine, Dominick Fletcher had eight, as both Wyatt Buhr and Will Lydle each had seven.
 
Scoring the Most points for the Mountaineers was kicker Alec Fonseca who was perfect on the day. Fonseca made 11 points with three field goals and two extra points, with a long of 49-yards.
 
The Mountaineers will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 11 as they travel to Silver City, N.M. to take on Western New Mexico University in a non-conference game.