ASHLAND, Ore. – The College of Idaho Yotes battled valiantly but came up short in a hard-fought 45-27 road loss against undefeated Southern Oregon on Saturday at Raider Stadium.
The Yotes (2-2) displayed resilience, particularly in the second half, cutting a 21-6 halftime deficit to just a touchdown on multiple occasions. Quarterback Andy Peters threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns, including a 22-yard connection with Torey Watkins midway through the third quarter that brought the Yotes within 21-13.
Running back Hunter Gilbert provided a spark with a 62-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, narrowing Southern Oregon's lead to 28-20. Gilbert finished with 90 yards on nine carries as the Yotes offense found rhythm after the break.
Despite the Yotes' offensive surge, Southern Oregon's Gunner Yates proved to be the difference-maker, rushing for 293 yards and four touchdowns. His scoring runs, including a 68-yarder in the second quarter and a 59-yarder in the third, kept the Raiders (3-0) ahead.
Peters added another score in the fourth quarter, hitting Tommy Hauser for an 8-yard touchdown, capping off a 75-yard drive. However, Southern Oregon's late field goal sealed the game.
While the Yotes leave Ashland with a loss, their second-half performance showcased their offensive capabilities, setting the tone as they prepare for their upcoming conference play.
The Yotes will look to build on their second-half momentum as they return to conference action next week at home against Montana Tech for Homecoming.
