Central Washington University defeated the Dixie State University football team 44-0, spoiling DSU’s senior night and its final home game of the season.
The game started slowly as both teams failed to get the ball into the end zone. The first points were put up on the board by Central Washington with two field goals.
The absence of senior tight end Joe Don Duncan, who was out with a lower body injury, hurt Dixie. Dixie’s senior quarterback Griff Robles couldn’t complete passes to his receivers, who, as a group, compiled several drops. CWU was up 23-0 by the end of the first half.
Dixie couldn’t seem to get any points on the board the second half, though there were many attempts to reach the end zone. Three CWU touchdowns later, the game came to an end.
“I felt like our hearts were not in [the game] the way they should have been, but I am proud of the strides our team has made and how far we have come in the years past,” said defensive lineman Darius Matthews, a sophomore psychology major from West Jordan.
Prior to kickoff, all of the seniors for the Storm gathered on the field with their families to be recognized for their contributions to the team. Some of the seniors include wide receiver Mitch Frei, Joe Don Duncan, linebacker Jake Duncan, defensive lineman Sean Gibson, defensive lineman Xavier Smith, defensive lineman Jordan Loo, offensive lineman Kevin Speer, defensive lineman Tim Ehinger, linebacker Nick Largent, wide receiver Matt Porrazzo, and Robles.
“Senior night is a fun night to honor the guys who have been in the program and have helped [the program],” head coach Scott Brumfield said.
Brumfield said it is tough to see the seniors go, and he will miss their leadership.
“This is the first big group of seniors that we have had,” Brumfield said. “They have done a great job leading.”
He said the seniors have taught the younger players how to do the best they can in this program and have helped bring other athletes into leadership roles.
Matthews said Smith always encouraged him and made sure he was never satisfied.
“He expected greatness out of me,” Matthews said. “I was very pleased with the senior class.”
He said now he knows what he needs to be as a leader for the years to come.
“On top of what they do on the field, they have taught the guys how to practice, how to go to school, how to go to meetings, and how to prepare for games,” Brumfield said. “Their legacy will live on forever.”
