04/02 OUTLAWS @ WARRIORS

Wyoming Outlaws-21, Nevada Warriors-29
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Elko, Nevada- Warrior Field at Elko High School

 

The Wyoming Outlaws traveled to open their 2016 season where they ended their 2015 season in Elko, Nevada against the Championship runner-up last season, the Nevada Warriors.  This was the 6th time in 3 years these two teams have met and the rivalry did not disappoint as a defensive battle ensued throughout the game.  The first game jitters and mistakes were aplenty on both sides.

 

 

On the first few drives each team exchanged punts, until Warriors FS and long-time Utah Shock owner and veteran Kyto Khouang intercepted a Hugo Herrera pass leading the Warriors to drive down to the red zone.  The Warriors failed to capitalize on the turnover as they came up short on a 4th down attempt giving the ball right back to Wyoming.

 

 

The ensuing drive finished with yet another miscue for the Outlaws.  During Tanner McQuillan’s attempt to punt, the snap sailed over his head and out of the end zone giving the first score to the Warriors. Nevada then drove down into Outlaw territory on the ensuing drive only to be stopped once again by the aggressive defensive line of Wyoming that resulted in punting and pinning the Outlaws deep.

 

 

With 9 minutes remaining in the 2nd quarter, scrambling deep in his own end zone, Outlaw QB Hugo Herrera threw a pick six to Warriors CB Dustin Irving.  Following the missed PAT by Garry Komp, the Warriors led 8-0.

 

Coming back out, the mistakes continued for Herrera.  After two straight fumbles, the Warriors took possession on the Outlaws 2-yard line.  Each team quickly exchanged 4 penalties leading to a Warriors 22 yard field goal by Komp for a two score lead.

 

 

Wyoming's speedy and dangerous special teams came right out with a huge return into Warriors territory by McQuillan, seemingly for not, only to have another errant snap that resulted in a turnover on 1st down.

 

Once again, the Wyoming defense held Nevada to a punt; however, with a running into the punter penalty, the Outlaws would give Nevada another shot at the punt.  Warriors P Jordan Anderson faked the punt, hitting a wide-open WR Matt Thornton for a 46-yard gain leading to a QB Draw for a touchdown by Warriors QB Ely DeJesus.

 

There was more from the Warriors defense as Herrera was intercepted once again by Kyto Khouang.  On the next play, DeJesus connected with Thornton for a 29 yard touchdown to extend the lead and essentially ending the half.

 

 

Threatening to take it back all first half with great returns, McQuillan took the opening second half kick to the house for the Outlaws.  With the PAT, the Outlaws ignited the spark for a possible comeback and reducing the Warrior lead. Continuing to make big plays was Outlaws DE Zach Marler, who came up with a sack on DeJesus that led to another Warriors 3-and-out.

 

 

Following two more errant snaps, the Outlaws were pinned with a 3rd and 30, which they were able to convert as a result of a roughing-the-passer penalty.  Both teams then exchanged possessions until Warrior CB Bobby Bear intercepted Herrera for his 4th interception of the night.

After another Warrior punt, the Outlaw offense suffered another miscue as Herrera scrambled deep in his own end zone where he committed another turnover as he threw a second pick six of the night to Warriors MLB Shane Thomas for the 29 yard score.

 

 

The Outlaws failed to give in to the deficit as Herrera threw a short pass to Tanner McQuillan, which with some clever juking and determination, became a 55 yard Outlaw touchdown.  The two connected once again to convert the two-point conversion.  They brought the game to within 8 points as a result.

 

 

Wyoming’s onside kick attempt failed as Nevada recovered.  The Warriors ran out the clock with Bear taking carries and Dejesus taking a knee for the victory.

 

 

Next week, the Wyoming Outlaws will take the road once again, this time to face the Utah Cobras in Pleasant Grove, UT.  The Nevada Warriors will face the Uintah Basin Oilers in Roosevelt, UT.

 

GREAT NORTH CONFERENCE

AVALANCHE