MOSCOW, Idaho – The Central Washington University football team kicked off the 2019 campaign Saturday against NCAA Division I-FCS foe Idaho. The Wildcats were within three points of the Vandals late in the fourth but came up short of an upset bid, falling 41-31 inside the Kibbie Dome.
 
With many fans wondering who was going to lead the Wildcats' (0-1) offense, it was made known finally as redshirt freshman Canon Racanelli stepped onto the field in the Wildcats first drive of 2019. He along with a number of fresh faces on the CWU offense gave Idaho (1-1) a run for its money. Partnered with an experienced defense, the Wildcats made plays on both sides of the ball.
 
"Really proud of our guys, I though they competed and fought all night long," CWU Head Coach Chris Fisk said. "We have to correct some thing going forward but we walk out of here very encouraged about the future."
 
It was a slow start for the Wildcats offense who was unable to find the back of the end zone in the first quarter. Despite the slow start, CWU's defense battled all 15 minutes to keep the game score as low as possible.
 
The Vandals offense barely managed to one-up the Wildcats with a 20-yard field goal at the 8:21 mark of the first quarter. Defense was the theme early on for both squads as neither allowed the respective offenses to find a rhythm.
 
Idaho extended its lead to two scores early in the second quarter. A drive that started with just over two minutes left in the first extended into the second. The Vandals capitalized with 13:07 on the clock when running back Aundre Carter scampered in for a two-yard touchdown run to make it a 10-0 game.
 
The lead was short lived as the Wildcats answered at the 10:09 mark thanks to a trick play that fooled nearly everyone in the Kibbie Dome. Racanelli handed the ball off to JoJo Hillel on a wrap around handoff to the right and he looked down field for an open Tony Archie who pulled the catch down for a 60 yard touchdown. With points on the board, the Wildcats trailed by just three, 10-7.
 
With the touchdown pass, the Wildcats extended their streak of scoring at least one touchdown to 165 consecutive games. A streak that dates back to week four of the 2004 season.
 
On the ensuing kickoff, Cody O'Conell forced the ball loose and Chaz McKenzie recovered it at the Idaho 26. With the short field in front of them, the Wildcats made sure it counted. Racanelli found Archie in the left corner of the endzone with a floater that only he was going to catch.
 
With Archie's second touchdown of the game, CWU grabbed it's first lead of the game, 14-10, with 10:09 left to play in the first half.
 
Defense once again picked up for both squads as they forced punts the next two possessions. The Wildcats added one more score before halftime thanks to a Tyren Sams interception at the Idaho 33 yard line. CWU only managed a field goal as Gavin Todd nailed a chip shot from 36 yards out to extend the team's lead to 17-10.
 
With just under 4:30 left to play in the first half, Idaho marched 70 yards in 10 playing on the ensuing drive and ate up four minutes of clock time. The Vandals capped the drive off with a 19 yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 17-all going into halftime.
 
Coming out of the break, the Wildcats got the ball first after deferring to start the game when they won the coin toss. The Vandals forced a quick three-and-out to get back on offense. Their opening drive produced a touchdown and help them retake the lead, 24-17.
 
Racanelli and the CWU offense responded on their next possession as he drove the team 75 yards down the field in eight plays. He closed out the drive with a 12 yard pass down the middle of the field to an open Samuel Sanchez. The play was reviewed but video evidence showed a clear catch by Sanchez as the Wildcats tied the game up at 24-24.
 
Both teams once again found their defensive groove and forced each other to punt. The Vandals drive was gaining some track but a sack from Donte Hamilton near midfield sparked the Wildcats as they kept the scored knotted at 24.
 
Following a punt by CWU on the next possession, Idaho responded with a quick six-play drive in the final 3:34 of the third that led to their second touchdown of the second half. A 19 yard touchdown pass put the Vandals back in front 31-24 going into the fourth.
 
The Vandals forced the Wildcats to once again punt to start the fourth quarter. They then drove down to the CWU 21 yard line before being forced to kick a field goal from 38 yards out. With back-to-back scores, the Vandals led 34-24 midway through the fourth.
 
Looking to stay within striking distance, the Wildcats went with another trick play that paid off. This time it was Archie who hit a wide open Hillel for a 39 yard touchdown pass to cut the Wildcats deficit to three, 34-31, with 7:13 to play in the game.
 
Despite their best efforts, the Wildcats were unable to get one final stop as the Vandals ran in a 27 yard touchdown with just over 1:30 on the clock on a third and five play to seal the game at 41-31.
 
Racanelli finished the game 13-31 passing with 146 yards and a pair of touchdown passes. Both Archie and Hillel also had a touchdown pass as well. Michael Roots led the ground game with 22 carries for 112 yards. Archie pulled in eight catches for a game-high 146 yards to lead the all players. Overall, the Wildcats finished with 359 yards of total offense.
 
"Canon [Racanelli] did a heck of a job tonight," Coach Fisk said. "You can't pick a harder scenario than your first start being against a Big Sky school. He was poised and he'll learn from this in order to get better."
 
Defensively, CWU had a pair of players finish with double figure tackles. Hamilton had a game-high 17 with seven being unassisted. O'Connell was three back in the total with 14 and had a game-high 10 solo tackles. Hamilton, Max Randle, and Sams each had a sack, while Sams also had one interception.
 
"We're tough and we got tough guys. They all believe and love each other each time they step on the field," Coach Fisk added. "With all that, you've got something to build on so I'm excited to get to work tomorrow."
 
The Wildcats will look to bounce back next weekend in their home opener. CWU hosts Ferris State Saturday, Sept. 14 at 4:05 p.m. PT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3 as part of the NCAA Division II Football Showcase