Yellow Jackets beat out Mountaineers in three overtimes

The Yellow Jackets were scheduled to play the Western State Colorado University Mountaineers on Oct. 5, but winter storm Atlas dropped 31 inches of snow which postponed the game. The game was re-scheduled for Nov. 23 and named the Atlas Bowl.

This was the last game of the season for the Yellow Jackets, and the last career game for 11 players as it was also Senior Day. Fans came out to Lyle Hare Stadium to cheer on the Jackets. Students were full of excitement as they awaited the start of the game, despite the cold weather.

The Mountaineers put points on the board first by scoring a touchdown. The Jackets soon tied the game with a touchdown of their own. The score at the end of one quarter was tied at seven points a piece. The Mountaineers came out strong in the second quarter with a touchdown. The Jackets answered back with a touchdown of their own to tie the game at 14-14, which was the score at halftime.

After the half, the Jackets came out with high energy and scored a touchdown to make the game 21-14. Later on in the third quarter, the Jackets scored again with a touchdown to make the score 28-14, with the Jackets scoring 21 unanswered points, and this being the score at the end of three quarters. The Jackets stopped the Mountaineers drive in the fourth quarter with an interception. The Mountaineers then gained back possession of the ball. They scored with seven seconds left to tie the game at 28-28, forcing overtime.

The Mountaineers scored first in overtime with a touchdown. The Jackets answered with a touchdown of their own, making the score 35-35, and forcing a second overtime. Both teams scored touchdowns in second overtime to make the score 42-42. In the third overtime, the Mountaineers scored a touchdown first. By rule, if a team scores a touchdown in the third overtime, that team then must attempt a two-point conversion. The Mountaineers were unsuccessful on their try. The Jackets then drove down the field and scored a touchdown. They attempted a two-point conversion and were successful, making the score 50-48 and giving the Jackets the win.

The victory gave the Jackets their third win of the season. The seniors ended their careers on a high note, and the exciting win gives the Jackets something to build off of when they prepare for next season.