Spearfish, S.D. – Despite Black Hills State's season-high 31 points, the Yellow Jackets fell to N.M. Highlands 46-31 on Saturday afternoon.
Both teams exchanged field goals in the first quarter. Devin Rounds knocked down two field goals (21 yards, 32 yards) to give the Yellow Jackets an early 6-3 lead with 12:21 remaining in the second quarter. The cowboys responded with two unanswered touchdowns. The Yellow Jackets went into halftime 17-6.
A momentum swing occurred on the opening kickoff of the second half when Chase Tyson forced a fumble on the Cowboy's six yard line. Two plays later Ward Anderson rumbled into the end zone for a BHSU score. On the ensuing Cowboy's drive, Neil Novak forced an EJ Woods fumble that led to a Devin Rounds field goal.
With 13:04 remaining in the game, the Yellow Jackets took a 25-24 lead on a 9-yard touchdown reception by Jeremy Woods.
The Cowboys then began to rely on running back Lavelle Peterson. Peterson found the end zone three times in the fourth quarter. The Yellow Jackets pulled within seven, 31-38, with Anderson's second rushing touchdown of the day. It wouldn't be enough for the Yellow Jackets and the game ended 46-31.
The Yellow Jackets dominated time of possession, but were hurt by the Cowboys' big-play abilities.
"We knew they were an explosive, big-play type offense. They kind of lull you to sleep and then 'boom,' they hit you for a 40, 50-yard play on a pass route or a run," said head coach John Reiners. "The same thing we talked about being consistent on offense, we have got to be consistent on defense. A lot of the time we have guys in position to make the play, but they didn't."
Anderson was 34-of-65 with 266 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Anderson was lethal on the ground with 71 yards and two touchdowns.
"I saw him make some throws, make some plays with his feet running the ball that were very encouraging and exciting, but Ward has got to be a complete player the whole entire game," said Reiners.
Daniel Hancock was once again Anderson's favorite target as the Cowboys couldn't find a way to stop him. Hancock had a team-high 12 receptions for 124 yards. Jeremy Woods added 57 yards and a touchdown.
For the Yellow Jacket ground attack, Bryar DeSanti had 15 carries for 81 yards.
The Jacket defense forced six Cowboy turnovers throughout the game. Neil Novak had a forced fumble and interception. Also, Austin Haynes and Bradley Hunter each recorded interceptions.
"They are a tough team to stop, so one way to stop them is take the ball away from them," said Reiners. "Our defense did a nice job getting some picks, force some turnover. We saw that they weren't taking care of the ball as far as ball security and we are a good team at stripping it. That was a huge momentum swing in the second half."
Trent Turbiville led the Yellow Jackets with 12 tackles. Ryan Lee recorded eight tackles and Austin Haynes and Scott Boner each added seven.
Next week, the Yellow Jackets will travel to Western N.M. for their final away game of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
"Our last three opponents are the top-3 teams in the league and our kids hung with them through portions of each game," said Reiners. "This last game we definitely had opportunities to win the game against a very good Highlands team. That is one thing that I will never question about our team is our fight and our desire to win."
