Stags Win Home Opener Over Boxers

The football team used a strong rushing offense and a equally strong rushing defense to beat Pacific University 28-9 in their home opener.  The Stags rushed for 257 yards and held the Boxers to just 29 as CMS improved to 1-1 overall.

Patrick Rooney (pictured) carried 22 times for 118 yards and three touchdowns to lead the offense.  Alex Wheatley gained 65 yards on 11 carries for a strong 5.9 yards/rush and Trevor Beltz rushed 11 times for 42 yards.

In the passing game, Rooney complete five passes for 83 yards.  While the passing game wasn't the focus of the offense, a 33 yard completeion to Greg Wilson in the first quarter forced the Pacific safeties to play back off the ball, opening room for the run game.

On defense, the Stags played an outstanding game.  Pacific's quarterback, TC Campbell, who had over 600 yards over the past two games, had only with 87 yards coming on Pacific's only touchdown of the game.  CMS was in Pacific's backfield often and had two sacks and multiple quarterback pressures, including one that forced a game-sealing interception that was returned for a touchdown by Corbin Tognoni.  Aside from the one long scoring pass play, the Stag defense held the Boxers to 139 yards on 51 plays.  They successfully stopped all of Pacific's third down conversions in the game (they were 0-12).

Special teams also played an important roll in the win.  Nick Nasse blocked two punts in the first half including one that gave the Stags first and goal at the one and they scored on the next play.  Pacific missed the extra point after their touchdown and were unable to settle for field goals in the second half.

CMS opens SCIAC play next Saturday, September 17 at La Verne.  Game time is 1:00.