Published: September 27, 2008 11:07 pm      

UCO wraps up Lions for first win of the year

Central Oklahoma head coach Tracy Holland was all smiles as he walked off the field at Wantland Stadium Saturday night. But then again so was the entire UCO football team, who pulled out their first win of the season, a 21-13 victory over Texas A&M-Commerce.

“I’m so excited for this football team, they have played the schedule from hell basically, and they have kept the faith, they kept working, and kept getting better from week to week,” Holland said. “So to play the No. 1 seed in the North division and beat them is just a huge win for us, we’re very excited.”

The win over the preseason favorite in the Lone Star Conference North Division was Holland’s first as the Bronchos’ head coach. It also helped The teams also snapped a six-game skid dating back to last season. UCO improved to 1-4 on the year, 1-3 in the overall league standings and 1-0 in the LSC North, while the Lions fell to 2-3, 2-2 and 0-1.

“We’ve been working hard, trying to get the little things corrected, the first four losses were tough for us, but we stuck our heads in this game, and did all the little things right to pull out this victory,” UCO defensive back T.J. Shaw said. “It feels great, just relaxation time and then get ready for the next week.”

The UCO defense paved the way for the win with a stellar performance. The Bronchos allowed just seven points and held A&M-Commerce to 172 yards of total offense. They also made it a long night for A&M-Commerce quarterback Trent Miller, who threw three interceptions and was sacked three times.

“The defense did an outstanding job, Steve Patterson, the defensive coordinator, put together a great defensive gameplan, they were in their hip pocket all night, and that was the real key to the victory,” Holland said. “This was the defense we knew was here and tonight they came against a good offense and took it to them.”

It was the Bronchos’ third takeaway that allowed them a sigh of relief. The Lions were driving on their final possession of the game, when Shaw picked off Miller’s pass on the Bronchos 40-yard line with 1:08 left in the game to seal the 21-13 win.

The Broncho defense also helped jump start the team’s sluggish offense. Safety Marcus Martinez came through with spark when they most needed it. The senior tied the game when he picked off Miller’s pass and returned it 40-yards for the score. Chad Susman tacked on the extra point, putting the Bronchos in front 7-6 with 7:48 left in the first half.

The offense then did their part, scoring on their next possession. Alex Gibson hit Ryan Gallimore on a 44-yard touchdown pass, extending the Bronchos’ lead to eight with 4:42 left in the half.

A&M-Commerce dug into that lead in the second half with the help of Gibson’s third interception of the night. Miller later capped a nine-play 39-yard drive when he hooked up with Willie Thorton on a five-yard touchdown pass.

Brandon Noohi came in at quarterback in the third quarter, and quickly led the Bronchos into the end zone. The junior hit Gallimore on a 49-yard pass, and Da’Marean Pullen scored on a 17-yard run. Susman’s point after kick was partially blocked, but still went through the uprights, giving UCO a 21-13 lead with 14:31 left in the game.

The Bronchos offense got off to horrendous start and never found their rhythm. UCO averaged just 1.9 yards per carry and turned the ball over on three of their first five possessions. Gibson was picked off three times, and had his second one returned 19-yards for touchdown by Courtney Edmond in the second quarter.

Gallimore finished the night with three catches for 94 yards and one score. Pullen led the way for the Bronchos ground game, rushing for 66 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries.

The Bronchos will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Bolivar, Mo. to take on Southwest Baptist University. Kick-off is set for 1:30 p.m.