The Battlin’ Bears started the regular season at 1-1 after their first two games. It did not take long for Nathan Dick and the offense to start delivering touchdowns or Rocky’s defense to record a few interceptions. The Battlin’ Bears were able to win their season opener at Southern Oregon but fell short when the College of Idaho came into town. Highlights from the start of the season included a variety of names and positions – proving great teamwork for the Battlin’ Bears.
Offensively, the rhythm has gone through senior quarterback Dick, who has tallied 2 touchdowns in the first two weeks while spreading the ball to multiple receivers. Standing next to Dick is star sophomore running back Wilcox. As the main running back for Rocky, Wilcox already has 4 touchdowns off 162 rushing yards.
The third main scorer so far has been kicker Austin Drake, who now has 4 field goals. After 2 field goals in the first game, he earned the Frontier Player of the Week award. Following that up in week 2, punter Wyatt Brusven also received the Frontier Player of the Week award. Brusven averaged about 41 yards on seven punts in week 2.
Defensively, the Bears have shown strength. They allowed only 269 total yards in week 1 and held Southern Oregon to just 3 third down conversions out of 12. Kaysan Barnett has made an impact with 5 tackles at S. Oregon and 2 interceptions against the College of Idaho. Defensive back Brail Lipford recorded 9 tackles in week 2 as well.
Teamwork is driven into every franchise, league, and team. This teamwork is what we’re seeing on this year’s Rocky Mountain College football team. On the field and on campus, players have each other’s backs. When the team struggles offensively, the defense keeps them in the game, and vice-versa. The team is looking to defend the Frontier Conference Championship, which they won at the end of last season.
The next time the Battlin’ Bears will play at home will be their homecoming game, September 24, so mark your calendars for a fun-filled day as the Bears take on Montana State University-Northern!
Rocky Football photos courtesy of Oliver Walker
The Rocky Mountain Summit