It’s a sweep. For their hefty contributions in a dramatic 30-27 victory over Western New Mexico last weekend, Fort Lewis College teammates Tim Jenkins (offensive), Willy Klein (defensive) and Rich Rodriguez (special teams) were named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference players of the week.
“It’s a tribute to our kids and all of their hard work,” Skyhawks coach Cesar Rivas-Sandoval said. “It also reflects how diligent our coaching staff has worked to mentor and prepare all of our players.”
Jenkins, a sophomore quarterback from Highlands Ranch, passed for 425 yards and three touchdowns against WNM. He connected nine times with Justin Johnson, including a 54-yarder that set up the game-winning field goal.
Klein, a redshirt freshman linebacker from Basalt, made a team-high 11 tackles and produced two key interceptions. His first pick eliminated a WNM drive at Fort Lewis’ 3-yard line and his second set up a Skyhawks TD.
All Rodriguez did was kick the game-winning 52-yard field goal with 18 seconds remaining. He was 3-for-3 on the day and his 52-yarder is the fourth-longest in school annals.
Fort Lewis (1-1) opened with a 59-10 loss at Montana State. The Skyhawks are coming off a 2-9 season that included a nine-game losing streak, but they have won two consecutive RMAC games dating to last season. They beat Western New Mexico in the last game of 2009.
Fort Lewis has its home opener Saturday against upstart Colorado State-Pueblo (3-0, 1-0 RMAC).
Footnotes.
CSU-Pueblo is 3-0 for the first time since 1980, the year it produced its only RMAC championship. … Chadron State freshman Glen Clinton rushed for 169 yards (25 carries) in his first career start last week in a 40-7 win over Western State. Clinton gained more than 25 yards on three plays, including a 27-yard reception. … Mesa State (0-2, 0-1 RMAC) hosts New Mexico Highlands on Saturday after facing two nationally ranked teams on the road. The Mavericks lost to defending RMAC champion Nebraska-Kearney 31-9 last weekend. … Since November 2008, UNK has won 11 straight RMAC games. … UNK (2-1) gained four spots, to No. 19, in this week’s Division II coaches’ poll. Colorado Mines (2-1) and CSU-Pueblo continue to receive votes.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
