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Live Stats |
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GUNNISON, Colo. – A trip back to former conference foe Fort Hays State awaits Western State as the Mountaineers open the 2010 regular season tomorrow night. Kick off from Lewis Memorial Stadium is set for 6 p.m. MDT with video coverage on B2 Networks and audio coverage in the valley on KEJJ 98.3 FM.
The Mountaineers are going for their first season-opener win since 1994 when they won their 16th conference championship under Duke Iverson. Western State and Fort Hays State are even when playing in Hays at 5-5 and the Mountaineers hold an overall advantage in the series of 12-9-1.
The defense returns the top four tacklers from last season in Mike Reynolds, Blake Krenke, DJ Hughes and Johnny Pieiper, but will be under new leadership in 2010. Defensive coordinator Jas Bains and line coach Mike Aimone arrived during the offseason from Chadron State after helping the Eagles to top finishes in the RMAC during the last five seasons.
Miles Gorham, the backup at quarterback from last season who also appeared as a receiver, earned the nod from the coaches as the starter late last week before the Lawn Chair Scrimmage. The junior from Canon City saw a minimal role in last year’s season opener with the Tigers and went five-of-nine behind Tyler Daniels, who will move into the backup role this season.
The special teams, which will be under Bains as well, will have welcome back former placekicker Lloyd Tucker. He went 10-of-19 on field goals in 2007, and made a season-long of 50 yards against the Tigers. Tucker took two years away from football in 2008 and 2009 to compete in the Winter X Games.
The meeting with the Tigers tomorrow night will likely be the last meeting for the immediate future. The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, which Fort Hays State is a member of, will be moving to a conference-only schedule beginning next season.