The Fort Lewis College football team will hit the road one last time this season, with a trip to Las Vegas, New Mexico, to take on New Mexico Highlands University at noon on Saturday at Perkins Stadium.
After starting the season 2-1, the Cowboys (2-7, 1-7 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) have dropped their last six games.
The Skyhawks (4-5, 4-4 RMAC) enter the game as the 10th ranked scoring offense in the RMAC, averaging just 21.6 points per game, but could be in for a big day against a Cowboys defense that has been outscored by an average of 24.2 points per game and is allowing an RMAC worst 46.1 points per game.
FLC’s offense relies heavily on the run and averages 181.6 yards per game on the ground while picking up an average of 132.6 yards through the air, which is last in the conference. But the Skyhawks might not have to throw the ball much against Highlands, which has given up 275.6 yards per game rushing.
Tyler Telphy leads the Skyhawks with 702 yards rushing this season. He has cracked 100 yards in a game four times this season, including a 170-yard outing last week against South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Sophomore quarterback Jake Lowry will get his second start of the season this week for FLC.
Last week, Lowry was 8-for-19 passing for 137 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for another 58 yards and a TD to help the Skyhawks to a 44-35 victory.
On the defensive side of the ball, FLC has been one of the top teams in the conference all season. The Skyhawks rank fourth in the RMAC in scoring defense and rushing defense, and fifth in total defense. They’ve also snagged 11 interceptions this season and have returned four picks for touchdowns.
Last week, FLC showed it can get to opposing quarterbacks, too, as the Skyhawks recorded seven sacks, three of which went to OJ Thompson. Thompson and teammate Christopher Blanton are tied for second in the RMAC with six sacks each this season.
Like the Skyhawks, Highlands relies on the run and averages 160.3 yards per game rushing with Rodolph Zleh leading the team with 629 yards and seven touchdowns. In the passing game, Danny Cameron and Ramone Atkins have shared time at quarterback.
The two have completed about 50 percent of their passes and have combined for 11 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
kschneider@durangoherald.com
