CALDWELL, Idaho - The College of Idaho football team came out firing and held off perennial power Montana Western 28-21 on Saturday afternoon at Simplot Stadium, remaining unbeaten in Frontier Conference play.
The Yotes (5-1, 2-0 Frontier) dominated time of possession and controlled the trenches, grinding out 295 yards of total offense while holding the Bulldogs (4-3, 1-2) scoreless in the fourth quarter.
Running back Rylie Byington powered the ground attack with 92 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, including a 3-yard score early in the second quarter that gave the Yotes a 14-0 advantage. Quarterback Caden Young managed the game efficiently, throwing for 133 yards and a 19-yard touchdown to Travis Marieiro, the go-ahead score with 4:25 left in the game.
On the ensuing drive, Montana Western threatened near midfield, but the Yote defense stood tall, forcing a crucial turnover on downs at the Bulldogs' 44-yard line to preserve the lead.
The Bulldogs had clawed back from a two-score deficit behind a 49-yard touchdown run from Aidan Lammers and a 9-yard strike from Michael Palandri to Seth Shook that tied it 14-14 before halftime. Palandri also punched in a 4-yard rushing score late in the third quarter to knot it again at 21.
But the Yotes' defense came up clutch when it mattered most. Linebacker Matthew Iwamizu recorded a sack, forced fumble and tackle for loss, while Tanner Steele sealed the win with an interception in the final minute.
College of Idaho outgained Montana Western 162-61 on the ground and held the ball for more than 40 minutes, wearing down the visitors in one of their most complete performances of the season.
The Yotes hit the road next week looking to stay hot in conference play.
