FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE
Raybon Sets School Record, Bears Fall in Overtime
Ben Raybon hit a school-record 57-yard field against Lamar
By Ryan Pfeifer, UNCBears.com
Game Book Attached
GREELEY, Colo. – The first game at Nottingham Field in 665 days needed a little extra time to determine a winner on Saturday afternoon. The visitors Lamar spoiled the inaugural home game for head coach Ed McCaffrey 17-10 in overtime.
The 5,605 fans at Nottingham did see history on Saturday as Ben Raybon connected on a school-record 57-yard field goal.
It was a defensive battle all day long as the two teams combined for just 537 yards of total offense. UNC had two sacks on the day and held the Cardinals to just 99 yards passing.
Following a scoreless first quarter, Lamar struck first with a 67-yard run. The Bears responded on their next drive.
Conner Martin led the UNC down the field to even the score at seven with a nine plays, 75-yard drive. Martin got the offense rolling by using his legs to scamper 13 yards on the second play of the drive and followed it up with a 24-yard completion to Jihad Marks.
Gene Sledge rumbled the Bears the rest of the way down the field until Martin found Dylan Thomas on third and goal from the four.
The defenses held strong on both sides for the remainder of the game.
With the clock getting close to all zeros in the fourth quarter UNC lined up for a 57-yard field goal try. Ben Raybon hit it pure, with some room to spare putting the Bears up 10-7 and only [2:30] left in the game.
Lamar forced overtime with the game-tying field goal and six seconds on the clock.
The Cardinals were on offense first in overtime and scored a touchdown to put pressure on the Bears to respond with one of their own.
UNC was unable to score ending the game with LU leaving Greeley with the 17-10 win.
What They Said
Game Notes
– Gene Sledge finished just a yard shy of his first 100 yards rushing game of his career. He toted the ball 15 times for 99 yards.
– Kassidy Woods led all Bears with five receptions for 44 yards.
– The Bears’ defense was flying around the field, Xander Gagnon and Jace Bobo finished with double-figure tackles, 12 and 10, respectively.
– Last week’s Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week David Hoage had another stat sheet stuffing game with nine tackles, two for a loss, a sack and QB hurry.
– Hadyn Steffens had his first career interception in the second quarter.
– This was Northern Colorado’s first overtime game since 2016. The Bears are now 4-4 when going to extra periods.
What’s Ahead
The Bears stay home for a second week for their Big Sky opener. Northern Colorado will host fellow Northern, Northern Arizona on Saturday, September 25 at 1 pm.
Tickets for the game can be purchased at UNCBears.com/Tickets.
Ryan Pfeifer
Director of Strategic Communication
O: 970-351-3645 | C: 720-290-8886
#Bears Strong | @Rpfeifer82
