BroncoBlitz.com - Another OT game with the Bulls

October 24, 2009

D. Burgardt
BroncoBlitz.com Publisher

Several NFL Broncos were in attendance today including Denver Bronco Tony Scheffler, Detroit Lions Delmas, and Tampa Bay's EJ Biggers. Joe Reitz of the Ravens was in attendance as well. An NFL Scout commented, that that's a sign of a great program when the players come back on the bye weeks.

The former Broncos were treated to some early fireworks as Brandon West went 53 yards on the opening kickoff setting up the first of two Ansel Ponder touchdowns.

The Broncos held and took over at the UB 10, when Brandon West fumbled. Two plays later the Ike Nduka scored to tie the game at 7-7.

Aaron Winchester took the kick off out near midfield, but a holding penalty brought it back to the WMU 14. It looked like another day of Western Michigan shooting themselves in the foot. Hiller took over and let his team on a 10 play 86 yard drive highlighted by a 14 yard completion to freshmen Trey Smith and a 27 yard screen to Brandon West.
John Potter ended the half with a 28 yard field goal and the Broncos led 17-7.

The third quarter saw momentum change as Robert Arnheim fumbled at the Bulls 47 yard line. Two plays later mobile QB Zack Maynard galloped for 42 yards to the Bronco 11. Two plays later Ike Nkuda had his second touchdown, and the Bronco lead was cut to three.

After an exchange of punts the Broncos put together a 12 play drive keyed by a Robert Arnheim 19 yard catch that put Western on the UB 13 yard line. Two plays later Brandon West scored, and the Broncos had a 10 point cushion.

Brett Hamlin continued his display of stellar catches as the the UB wideout snared a 19 and a 33 yard grab to bring the Bulls within three. The Bulls did that in a a minute and ten seconds.

After a series of punts the Bulls moved the ball to the Bronco 22, and Drew Nowak came up with what turned out to be a key play in the game. Bull kicker A.J. Principe attempted a 29 yard field goal, when Nowak burst through the line to get a hand on it, and keep the WMU lead at three.

With 5:16 left in the game, Hiller & Co. went 67 yards on 9 plays highlighted by a spectacular catch by freshmen Trey Smith. Smith's 26 yard grab took the Broncos to the UB 15. Two plays and a Bull penalty and Brandon West had the go ahead touchdown.

With Western Michigan leading 31-28 and 3:18 to go, first year quarterback Zach Maynard put together a masterful drive leading to a 28 yard game tying field goal with no time left on the clock.

And once again the Broncos and the Bills were in an overtime affair. The Bronco defense was outstanding in overtime holding the Bulls to no yards, and setting up a 43 yard field goal to John Rachuna. Rachuna's kick sailed wide and the Broncos took over.

Brandon West and the Bronco O-line ran at times like a rugby scrum, grinding out the needed yardage to set up an easy John Potter field goal. Potter nailed a 28 yard FG to bring the Broncos to .500.

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