MSC's season opener against Central Washington University was a defensive battle that proved to be an early test for the visiting 14th-ranked Wildcats.
After a scoreless first half, Central Washington scored the only touchdown of the game in the third quarter, and added a 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, for a 10-0 victory.
In the first quarter the Mavericks stopped the Wildcats drive at the goal line when Cody Walker recovered a fumble at the one-yard line. The Wildcats first scoring opportunity came with 1:24 remaining after a 47-yard punt return to the Mavericks 6-yard line. Three plays later Walker recovered the ball on the forced fumble by Aaron Silverthorn, stopping the drive and closing out the quarter.
On the ensuing MSC drive the Mavericks drove to CWU's 32-yard line before turning the ball over on an interception. MSC blocked a 49-yard field goal by the Wildcats with just under 5 minutes remaining in the first half.
Freshman quarterback Robert Felberg had an impressive collegiate start completing 6-of-10 passes for 95 yards (1 interception) in the first half.
CWU opened the second half with a four play 86-yard drive for the game's only touchdown. On third and 10 on their own 32-yard line the Wildcats scored on a 68-yard touchdown pass for the 7-0 lead.
In the second half the Wildcats allowed just 1-of-7 Maverick offensive series to reach their half of the field.
CWU closed out the scoring on their first possession of the fourth quarter driving 65 yards in 11 plays, resulting in a 30-yard field goal.
Defensively the Mavericks were led by Bennett Newton and Cody Walker. Newton finished with a game high 19 tackles (2 solo, 17 assisted) and recorded the teams' only interception on the night. Walker tallied 16 total tackles (1 solo, 15 assisted) and recovered the Wildcats fumble at the MSC 1-yard line.
In Felberg's first college start he finished with 13 completions on 24 attempts for 155 yards, throwing 3 interceptions. Senior wide receiver Justin Murray recorded 5 receptions for 89 yards.
CWU's defense held the Mavericks to just 69 total yards in the second half. The Wildcats 3 sacks all came in the second half as well as 2 of their 3 interceptions.
MSC will host Missouri Western in a non-conference game next Saturday at 1 p.m.
---MAVS---
