Cowboy Defensive Leaders

Pictured: #91 John Fletcher goes after Colt McCoy



Despite the three losses there have been a number of positives coming from the Cowboy defensive unit this season. A number of players are among the NCAA leaders in several categories.

Brian Hendricks - LB, Sophomore

Hendricks keeps getting better and better each week. Last Saturday against Air Force he set a Wyoming single game record with 23 total tackles. Hendricks has 21 solo and 46 assist tackles on the year. His 67 total tackles rank him 15th in FBS. His record helped earn Hendricks Defensive POW honors last week.

Greg Knapton - LB, Sophomore

Knapton has been a consistent force on defense all year. Has 16 tackles on the year (17/48). His 48 assists rank him second in the FBS just one behind a couple of Big 10 linebackers. Has recorded double digit tackles his last five games.

Shamiel Gary - S, Freshman

Shamiel made a huge impact in his first ever game for the Cowboys. His three interceptions kept Weber State from pulling off the upset. His 53 tackles (16/37) rank him third on the team. With 37 assists Gary is ranked 17th in FBS.

John Fletcher - DT, Senior

Fletcher has done a great job of clogging up running lanes and terrorizing opposing QBs this year. For the year he has seven sacks which rank seventh in FBS. Fletcher has had at least one sack in every game with the UNLV game being the only exception. The 272 lb linemen will hopefully be playing on Sunday somewhere next year.

Falcons shutout the Cowboys

Falcons shutdown Cowboys

It took nearly 45 minutes for the Air Force Falcons (4-3, 3-1 Mountain West) were able to get on the board in a 10-0 victory over the Wyoming Cowboys (4-3,2-1) at home. Erik Soderberg kicked a 29 yard field goal with 37 seconds remaining in the third quarter to give the Falcons a 3-0 lead in a sloppy game by both teams. Four minutes later Jared Tew ran it in from 17 yards out to conclude the scoring for the Falcons and the game. The Falcons have now won four straight over the Cowboys.

Neither team had much luck moving the ball as tough defense and penalties bogged down drives all game long. Wyoming was flagged 10 times for 71 yards while Air Force was penalized 13 times for 125 yards.

Tim Jefferson got the start at QB for the Falcons but was mostly innefective. Coach Troy Calhoun put in Connor Dietz for the second half and was able to get the Falcons in rhythm and grab the victory. Calhoun had been mum all week on who would start at QB for the Falcons.

Jared Tew lead the Falcons with 27 carries for 105 yards. Air Force totaled 269 yards for the game with only two coming through the air. The Falcons defense held the Pokes to 174 yards for the game.

Wyoming was never able to break inside the Falcons 30 yard line. Their only scoring threat came on a 47 yard field goal that was blocked with time expiring at the end of the first half. QB Austyn Carta-Samuels was 14/31 for only 76 yards and one interception. David Leonard continued to be one of the top targets as he grabbed a team leading seven receptions for 36 yards.

The Cowboys defense held Air Force offense in check for most the game. Brian Hendricks finished with 23 tackles and John Fletcher added two sacks.

Air Force had two other chances to score but failed on 4th and Goal situations in both halves.

Air Force travels to Utah next week while Wyoming has the week off.