Broncos Rout Kansas Wesleyan
Salina, KS - The Hastings College football team exploded for 654 yards of total offense scoring early and often en route to a 61-21 victory over Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday to open the season.
The Broncos did not take long to strike after forcing a KWU punt, Matt Overmiller (SR/Hastings, NE) would find Jordan Wallman (SR/Filley, NE) on 3rd down for 28 yards which would later lead to these two hooking up for the first touchdown of the season four plays later.
After picking up a safety on a botched punt, the Broncos would strike quickly thanks in part to a 42-yard scamper by Overmiller. Darvonte Knight (JR/Oklahoma City, OK) would finish off the drive as Hastings led 16-0 before anyone could blink.
After a big play touchdown for the Coyotes to make it 16-7 midway through the second quarter, Hastings would add to its lead early in the second quarter after getting great field position following a KWU punt.
Hastings would march 44-yards capped off when Overmiller hit Ramiro Flores (SO/San Bernardino, CA) for the TD and the 23-7 lead.
UNK transfer Noah Housh (SO/Lincoln, NE) would also find the end zone in the second quarter as Overmiller would connect with him from eight yards out on the following Broncos drive as Hastings led KWU 30-7 with 8:54 remaining in the first half.
The Broncos were pretty even across the board throwing for 286 yards while rushing for 368 yards. Hastings averaged just over 6.5 yards per carry and this is the most rushing yards Hastings has had in a game since 2005 when the Broncos rushed for 368 yards against Nebraska Wesleyan in a 27-20 victory.
Flores finished the game with a team high 105 yards rushing on 14 carries and a TD. Overmiller finished with 66 on just four carries.
Jake Fowler carried the ball 15 times for 50 yards and a TD. Knight ran for 44 yards on just three carries and a TD
Anthony Cloyd carried the ball three times for 35 yards. He was also 1-1 passing for 11 yards
Overmiller went 18-for-33 for 192 yards and three touchdowns. Jason Gaines was 2-for-3 for 83 yards and a TD.
Leading the way at wideout was Austin Curlee as he had five catches for 76 yards. Wallman finished the night with four catches for 55 yards and a TD.
Flores, Jacob Reynoso, and Housh each had a touchdown reception as well.
Erik Wylie (SR/Eagle, ID) led the defense as he finished with 10 tackles including once sack and two tackles for loss. Josh Johnson had the lone pick for Hastings as he returned it 28 yards. Leuluai Io added five tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss.
Hastings is now 1-0 on the year and will be back in action Saturday Sept. 13 when Concordia comes to town with kick-off set for 1:00 p.m. at Lloyd Wilson Field.
