Box Score Box Score

MONMOUTH, Ore. (Sept. 17) -- Junior quarterback Ryan Robertson (Sammamish/Eastlake HS) tied his career-high with 322 passing yards, but the Central Washington University football team had five critical turnovers and was unable to capitalize on mistakes by host Western Oregon University in falling to the Wolves, 14-7, on Saturday afternoon at McArthur Field.

The Wildcats fell to 0-3 on the season, marking the first time since 1980 that CWU has dropped its opening three games of a season. Central Washington (0-2 Great Northwest Athletic Conference) also saw a 14-game series winning streak against Western Oregon snapped, marking the Wildcats' first loss to the Wolves since a 14-2 defeat on Oct. 20, 2001 in Monmouth.

Robertson, who had 322 passing yards in a win over Southern Oregon last year, matched a career-high with 29 completions and set a new career-high with 53 pass attempts as the Wildcats had more than twice as many passing plays (53) as rushing plays (24). However, Robertson was victimized by four turnovers, including three in Western Oregon territory with two fourth-quarter interceptions halting any potential CWU scoring drives.

Central Washington fell behind in the first half, allowing two second-quarter touchdowns as the host Wolves (2-1, 2-0 GNAC) took advantage of Robertson's miscues deep in Wildcat territory. Tyrell Williams scored on a seven-yard pass after WOU obtained possession at the CWU 24, and Kenneth Haynes scored late in the period on a two-yard run after the Wolves took over at the Wildcat 5.

CWU did have an opportunity to cut the deficit just before halftime, but an apparent 15-yard touchdown pass from Robertson to junior Corey Trisby (San Diego, Calif./Herbert Hoover HS) with 10 seconds left in the half was called back due to pass interference. An ensuing 47-yard field goal attempt by junior Sean Davis (Federal Way/Todd Beamer HS) was blocked, sending the Wildcats into halftime scoreless for the first time since the 2009 Battle in Seattle against Western Oregon.

The Wildcat defense held Western Oregon on the Wolves' first two possessions of the second half, and Central Washington finally got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter as Robertson connected with redshirt freshman Leon La Deaux (Port Orchard/South Kitsap HS) on a four-yard touchdown pass to cap a 13-play, 96-yard scoring drive that made it a 14-7 count. For La Deaux, it was his only reception of the game and was his first collegiate score.

Central continued to keep the Wolves off the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, but the Wildcat offense failed to convert on its opportunities. In fact, CWU had a turnover on downs and three turnovers -- two interceptions and a fumble by Robertson -- on its final four possessions. Western Oregon had the opportunity to seal the game with 2:31 to go, but redshirt freshman Alex Griffith (Bonney Lake/Sumner HS) blocked a 25-yard field goal attempt to keep it a seven-point game. Robertson connected with junior Anthony Spain (Grants Pass, Ore./North Valley HS) on a 68-yard pass play on the very next snap from scrimmage, but after another completion to Spain and a timeout, Robertson was picked off by Bryce Peila five yards deep in the end zone to thwart a possible game-tying score.

Spain, senior Justin Helwege (Sammamish/Eastlake HS), and junior Armahd Lewis (Stockton, Calif./Edison HS) all had big receiving games for the Wildcats. Spain finished with his second straight 100-yard receiving game, totaling 133 yards on nine grabs, while Helwege added six catches for 60 yards and Lewis four receptions for 80 yards. Spain and Lewis' receiving totals were aided by big-play catches of 68 and 48 yards, respectively.

The CWU defense was led by sophomore linebacker Stan Langlow (University Place/Curtis HS) with 11 tackles, including 2 1/2 for losses, and an interception, while senior Taylor Tanasse (Yakima/West Valley HS) had 10 tackles including four for losses.

Western Oregon was led by the efforts of backup quarterback Cody VonAppen, who took turns with starter Evan Mozzochi running the Wolves' offense. VonAppen finished with 18 carries for 94 yards, while Trevor Gates was the top receiver for WOU with 64 yards on six catches.

Isaiah Buchanan matched Central Washington's Langlow with a game-high 11 tackles, while Scotland Foss added nine stops, a fumble recovery, and the game-sealing interception in the closing minute.

Central Washington will now have its lone open date of the season, and will finally return home to Tomlinson Stadium for the first of three consecutive home games on Oct. 1 against Simon Fraser. The Wildcats will also host Western Oregon (Oct. 8) and Humboldt State (Homecoming on Oct. 15) before playing their next away game.