Setting the Stage: The Black Hills State University football team was edged by Adams State, 44-41, in Alamosa, last weekend. After a high-scoring first half, the Yellow Jackets had a chance to win the game on their final drive, but a turnover sealed the win for the Grizzlies. Ryan Hommel threw for 383 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns. Jack Walbye rushed for a score, while Dylan Reiners and Jordan Pace each caught a touchdown. Defensively, Austin Goddard led the Green and Gold with 11 tackles, including eight solo. Luis Bach had 10 tackles and the game's lone sack.
Last Meeting: BHSU fell in a defensive battle, 17-13, to Fort Lewis in last year's Swarm Days game. Ryan Hommel threw for 63 yards passing and had 91 yards rushing, including one rushing touchdown. Erick Hairston-Belcher had 50 yards receiving and a touchdown. Defensively, the Yellow Jackets held the Skyhawks to just 211 total yards, including just 84 passing yards. Austin Goddard and Jarrell Ganaway each had a sack, while Thayer Sauter had 10 tackles.
About Fort Lewis: The Skyhawks most recently fell to Chadron State, 31-21. Fort Lewis led the Eagles, 14-10, going into the fourth quarter, before being outscored, 21-7, in the final period. Nick McNamee threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns, but exited with an injury. Brayden Lucero rushed for 125 yards, while Mason Hatton caught two touchdowns. Defensively, Donell Pleasant III had 14 tackles, while Dre Cortez had 10 tackles.
Series History: The Yellow Jackets lead the series over Fort Lewis, 4-2. Fort Lewis won the matchup last year, after BHSU won in 2016.
Coverage: Yellow Jacket fans can catch Steve Ammerman on the call on The Eagle, 95.9/96.3 FM, or live online at MyEagleCountry.com. Ammerman is the voice of Yellow Jacket Athletics and can be heard on every football and men's/women's basketball game throughout the season.
Temperature: The five-day forecast shows Saturday's temperature around the noon kickoff to be 70 degrees in Durango. There is a zero percent chance of precipitation, with a wind at 6 mph.General Notebook
On the Road Again: This will be the third game on the road for BHSU already this season, in just the fourth week of the year. Following Saturday's matchup with the Skyhawks, the Yellow Jackets will return home to host Dixie State for the Swarm Days game.
Under the Lights: The opening game of the year between the Yellow Jackets and the Eagles was played under the lights. It was the first night game for BHSU since September 16, 2017, when the team played at Dixie State. It was the first of two night games for the Green and Gold this year - the October 6 matchup against South Dakota Mines is set to kick off at 6 p.m.
Safety First: The Yellow Jackets recorded a safety against Chadron State (Sept. 1). It was the first safety for BHSU since Sept. 10, 2016, in a 39-36 win over Fort Lewis.
Experience This: The Yellow Jackets have plenty of experience returning this season on the field. On the depth chart, there are 19 seniors and 11 juniors expected to start or be the first to sub in.
Captains: The Yellow Jacket captains, as chosen by their teammates, are Ryan Hommel, Payten Gilmore, Luis Bach, and Drew Hebel.
Putting the "Student" in Student-Athlete: Austin Goddard is a nominee for the National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete Award. The senior linebacker currently holds a 3.621 grade point average as an exercise science major. He also is a SAAC representative and four-year member of the football leadership council.
RMAC Honors: The 2017 season led to several Yellow Jackets being honored by the conference. Phydell Paris, Drew Hebel, and Erick Hairston-Belcher were all named All-RMAC Second Team. Thayer Sauter, Austin Goddard, Jarrell Ganaway, Darian Warford, Aaron Montoya, and Shandon Jones all earned Honorable Mention. Hebel, Goddard, and Ganaway return as members of the 2018 squad.
Academic Honors: Two Yellow Jackets were named to the RMAC Academic First Team in 2017, while nine others made the Honor Roll. Phydell Paris and JJ Kilgore earned First Team honors. Luis Bach, Jake Basinger, Jess Edens, Austin Goddard, Jake Phelan, Collin Powers, Dylan Reiners, and Bailey Rosenstrauch all were named to the RMAC Honor Roll.
Jeep Raffle: Raffle tickets for a new 2018 Jeep Wrangler are on sale now. Tickets are $50, and only 999 will be sold. See bhsuathletics.com for more information and to enter online.
