Box Score GARDEN CITY, Kans. (Aug. 24, 2019) -- A back and forth nail-biter between the nationally ranked No. 3 Garden City Broncbusters and No. 6 Snow College Badgers came to a close when Freshman Kicker Jose Pizano nailed a 32-yard Field Goal to win the game for Snow College 30-27 with no time on the clock. 
 
Snow College head coach Andrew Mitchell's first game at the helm got off to a rough start as the Badger's turned the ball over on each of their first three drives, coughing up two fumbles (one on a punt attempt) and throwing an interception early in the first quarter. The defense, however, was able to limit the damage, forcing Garden City to just two field goals. 
 
The Badgers failed to convert a 4th down conversion attempt in their own territory, leading to the Broncbuster's first touchdown of the 2019 season extending their lead to 13-0 in the second quarter. 
 
"In the first game, there's a lot of crazy things that can happen," Mitchell said. "These are young football players and they're gonna make some mistakes. There are some things as coaches we could have done better."
 
Fortunately, after a series of penalties against the Garden City defense, the Badgers marched down the field and punched in a field goal before the half to cut the deficit to 10. 
 
There must have been a speech given at halftime similar to that of Herb Brooks in 'Miracle on Ice' because the Snow College offense took the field in the 3rd quarter looking like a completely different team.
 
Sophomore QB Braxton Kerr shook off his first-quarter jitters and connected with TE Ron Tiavaasue for the Badger's first touchdown of the 2019 campaign. After the defense forced a 3 and out, Kerr led the offense right back to the endzone, this time handing the ball off to RB Shammah Luani who ran 27 yards for the touchdown to take the lead 17-13. 
 
The defense continued to give Garden City QB Nate Cox trouble, forcing another 3 and out, giving an opportunity for the Badger's to add 3 points with another field goal. WR Keashawn McCoy came up with a big play, going 43 yards and a touchdown reception as the Badger's put up 24 unanswered points leading 27-13 with 1 quarter left to play. 
 
But the 2018 NJCAA National Championship runner-ups were not going to go down without a fight. Garden City managed to score two touchdowns in the last few minutes of the 4th quarter, tying the game at 27 apiece. 
 
Mitchell's characteristic no-huddle offense would prove valuable with just under 2 minutes left and needing to score. Kerr found McCoy and redshirt Freshman WR Hunter Harris for first downs. McCoy would pick up another first down catch to set up Pizano for the game-winning field goal, sealing the Badger's season opener in dramatic fashion with a win. 
 
Sophomore DL Shad Pulsipher had a monster game on the defensive side of the ball, recording 2 sacks resulting in a loss of 15 yards. Freshmen LB Owen Fa'amoe and DL Tevita Fotu also had 1 sack each. Sophomore LB Jeremiah Ieremia led the team with 8 tackles.
 
Braxton Kerr had 24 completions out of 38 attempts, throwing for 377 yards and 2 touchdowns. Keashawn McCoy recorded 8 catches for 169 yards and 1 touchdown. Shammah Luani led the rushing game with 14 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown. 
 
"Our kids are resilient," Coach Mitchell said in regards to the Badger's hard-fought win. "They'll play anyone, anywhere, anytime. Names, dates, and locations change, but our mindset stays the same. Just show up and play ball."
 
Snow College will prepare to take on No. 10 Butler Community College next Saturday in El Dorado, Kan., at 6 p.m. MDT. Mitchell, who lost to Butler as a player in the 2007 NJCAA National Championship game in a double-overtime thriller, looks to get some revenge and record his second ever win as Badger's Head Coach.