<body><div>Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports InformationDILLON, Mont. — The no. 6 ranked Montana Western football team (6-1, 4-1) routed the Arizona Christian Firestorm this afternoon in a 69-7 homecoming victory.The Bulldogs finished off with a whopping 740 yard of total offense, breaking the team record for total offensive yards in a game that was set in 2021 against Rocky Mountain College.Michael Palandri threw for seven touchdowns, recorded a rushing touchdown, and totaled 431 passing yards in the game. Palandri's seven touchdowns broke the individual record for touchdown passes in a game set by three Bulldog alumni at six total.In addition, Eli Nourse broke the single game touchdown reception record that was held by 11 Bulldog alumni at three in a game when we recorded four touchdown receptions.How It HappenedAfter forcing a turnover on downs on the opening drive, Montana Western pushed down the field in just two minutes to score on a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dylan Shipley.The following UMW drive saw a quick pass to Shipley for 51-yards, followed by a touchdown pass to Coby Tanioka from 24 yards out.Nourse capped off the quarter by closing out a six-play 73-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown pass to take a 21-0 lead into the second quarter.UMW would cash in on two quick scores in the beginning of the second quarter. The first on a 77-yard touchdown rush by Jake Humphrey. The second coming on a 63-yard touchdown pass to Nourse.Nourse was the target twice more before the end of the first half. The first on a 31-yard touchdown reception and the second on a 33-yard touchdown reception to send UMW into the half up 49-0.Palandri was the hero in the opening drive of the second half, rushing it in for a five-yard touchdown rush that capped off a seven-play 75-yard drive.UMW's defense continued to hold down the fort and James Ochs recovered a fumble on UMW's 15-yard line to bring the offense back on the field.Palandri once again helped UMW to find the end zone, this time on a touchdown pass to tight end Matthew Heer from five yards out.Up 62-0, Kaden Jenks checked into the game at quarterback for the fourth quarter, tossing up an 11-yard touchdown pass to Seth Shook that capped off a seven play, 45-yard drive.Despite ACU recording their lone score of the game, the Bulldogs would close the game out on top at 69-7.Notables<ul><li>UMW recorded 740 yards of offense, with an impressive 457 yards through the air.</li><li>Palandri threw for 431 passing yards and seven touchdowns. Jenks stepped in and threw a touchdown of his own with 26 passing yards.</li><li>Nourse led the Bulldogs with nine receptions for 214 receiving yards and four touchdowns.</li><li>Humphrey led on the ground with 134 rushing yards and a 77-yard touchdown rush.</li><li>Nine Bulldog defenders recorded tackles for loss in the game, with Jace Fitzgerald recording 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks.</li></ul>The Bulldogs will prepare for a road trip next week to Havre, Mont. where they will face the MSU-Northern Lights on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.</div></body>

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Bulldogs Smother Firestorm, Break Total Offense Record In 69-7 Win Over Arizona Christian (Photo Gallery)

DILLON, Mont. — The no. 6 ranked Montana Western football team (6-1, 4-1) routed the Arizona Christian Firestorm this afternoon in a 69-7 homecoming victory. The Bulldogs finished off with a whopping 740 yard of total offense, breaking the team record for total offensive yards in a game that was set in 2021 against Rocky Mountain College.