LAS VEGAS, N.M. (Sept. 23, 2017) - The first play set the tone for the No. 19 Colorado State University-Pueblo football team, as Marché Dennard (Jr., Phoenix, Ariz.) ran 69 yards to the end zone in the 56-13 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference road victory at New Mexico Highlands University. 

The ThunderWolves (3-1, 3-0 RMAC) totaled 405 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground, which was guided by 159 and two scores by Dennard. 

The CSU-Pueblo defense caused three turnovers, all interceptions, and also forced two fumbles. Two of those interceptions were by junior Darius Williams (CB, Gilbert, Ariz.). Williams took his first pick to the end zone, a 25 yard return to record his third career pick six.

The Pack led 21-7 after the first, as Josh Smith (Jr., Everett, Wash.) rushed from eight yards out and Austin Micci (So., Colorado Springs, Colo.) found the end zone on a 30 yard score.

Dennard's second touchdown was a 57 yard rush to the paint to give the Pack a 28-7 lead early in the second quarter, while the William's pick made it 35-7 at the half.

Quarterback Rex Dausin (Sr., San Antonio, Texas) threw for 60 yards in the first half, but totaled 169 in in the game, which included 26 and 83 yard scoring strikes. The first went to senior tight end Zach Boyd (Fort Lupton, Colo.) and the second was to senior wide receiver Osha Washington (Stockton, Calif.). Washington finished with 94 yards on two receptions.

The lone touchdown in the fourth was a Jevin Jordan (So., Aurora, Colo.) 15 yard run.

PACK BITES

• CB Darius Williams has interceptions on back-to-back weeks.

• RB Austin Micci added to his touchdown total and now has six on the ground and seven total. He entered the game top 10 nationally in both rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns. 

• RB Marché Dennard has gone over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns in consecutive weeks.

• ILB Brandon Payer led the team with 13 tackles, which included 3.0 tackles for loss (-12 yards) and a half sack.

Next the ThunderWolves welcome No. 11 Colorado Mesa University in a Sept. 30 2 p.m. showdown at the Net and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl.

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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Colorado State University–Pueblo competes in 22 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.