By: Jamal Smith Sports Editor
In a clash north of the border, the Wolfpack headed to Canada on Saturday, Oct. 24, defeating Simon Frasier University (SFU) 37-26.
The Wolves were led by freshman Malik Braxton (RB) who had a record-setting game, and was awarded the GNAC Football Offensive Player of the Week. Braxton finished the game with 199 yards of all-purpose yards: including 179-yards rushing, two rushing touchdowns and a touchdown pass.
Redshirt sophomore Phillip Fenumiai (QB) got the start for the Wolves and would show his dual threat abilities on Western’s first possession, rushing on third down for a 45-yard first down. Fenumiai tallied 81-yards rushing for the game, adding another 55-yards through the air.
Braxton would finish out the first drive with a bit of trickery, throwing a touchdown pass to sophomore Paul Revis (WR) which evened the score at 7-7. Revis finished the game with five receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
On the next drive, Braxton would break away for a ridiculous 75-yard touchdown run which would give the Wolves a 14-7 lead.
In the second quarter, SFU would outscore the Wolves 10-3 and take a 20-17 lead going into half time.
Midway through the third quarter, senior Trey Shimabukuro (QB) made his return to the field after a three week absence due to injury. On his second drive, Shimabukuro would throw a 56-yard touchdown strike to Revis which gave Western a 24-20 lead, and would be the only points scored by either team in the quarter.
Just seconds into the fourth quarter, and on the first play of the drive, Shimabukuro would connect with redshirt sophomore Katakana Apelu (WR) for a 50-yard touchdown pass which increased the Wolves’ lead to 31-20.
SFU answered the Wolves’ touchdown on their ensuing possession with a seven play, 73-yard touchdown drive to bring the score to 31-26.
With 8:05 remaining in the game, the Wolves started their drive from the one yard line.
On the first play, Braxton broke through and raced past the SFU’s defense, running for a 99-yard touchdown, which set a GNAC record for the longest rushing touchdown and sealed the victory for the Wolves.
The impressive win improves the Wolves’ overall record to 5-3 and 3-1 in GNAC conference play. This is Western’s fourth consecutive victory.
Western’s next game is at home on Saturday, Oct. 31, against GNAC opponent Azusa Pacific University at 1:00 p.m. at McArthur Field.
