Raiders pass by Lights

If the Montana State University-Northern Lights were hoping to snag their second win of the season, the Southern Oregon Raiders made sure the Lights will have to wait one more week.

Saturday in Ashland, Oregon, the Raiders snapped a four-game losing streak by belting the Lights 56-14. The loss dropped Northern to 1-8 on the season with just this Saturday’s home finale against College of Idaho remaining.

SOU’s high-octane offense delivered as usual, by racking up 441 yards of offense, and building a 35-7 halftime lead behind 400 yards passing from Jack Singler. But it was a struggling SOU defense that really made a statement.

The Lights lost starting quarterback Caleb McLaren early, and to make matters tougher on Northern, the Raiders held MSU-N star Zach McKinley to just 18 yards on 14 carries. With sacks included, the Lights rushed for -17 yards on the day.

Former starter Jess Krahn came on in relief and threw for 111 yards and a 15-yard touchdown to Mario Gobbato in the third quarter. The Lights’ only other score came by way of Logan Sprouse’ blocked field goal, which he returned 75 yards for a score in the first period.

The Lights will now prepare for their final home game of the year when they host C of I Saturday at 12 p.m. at Blue Pony Stadium.

Southern Oregon 56, Lights 14

MSU-N 7 0 7 0 – 14

SOU 21 14 21 0 – 56

First quarter

SOU – Sean Tow 10 run (Marcus Montano kick), 9:56

SOU – Rey Vega 5 run (Montano kick), 6:44

SOU – Jordan Suell 55 pass from Jack Singler (Montano kick), 4:02

MSUN – Logan Sprouse 75 blocked field goal return (Tommy Langley kick), :23

Second quarter

SOU – Matt Retzlaff 12 pass from Singler (Montano kick), 4:59

SOU – Jordan Suell 10 pass from Singler (Montano kick), :17

Third quarter

SOU – Bronsen Ader 3 run (Montano kick), 12:43

MSUN – Mario Gobbato 15 pass from Jess Krahn (Langley kick), 5:41

SOU – Rey Vega 93 kick return (Montano kick), 5:27

SOU – Dominic Giampaoli 4 pass from Singler (Montano kick), 2:33.