BILLINGS, Montana – Quarterback Caden Young delivered a masterful performance, accounting for 349 total yards and three touchdown passes as No. 18 College of Idaho defeated Rocky Mountain 37-20 on Saturday afternoon at Herb Klindt Field.
The Yotes improved to 2-0 on the season behind Young’s dual-threat capabilities, as the senior signal-caller completed 23 of 35 passes for 238 yards and three scores while adding a team-high 111 rushing yards on 17 carries.
Fourth Quarter Explosion Seals Victory
After Rocky Mountain’s Darius Haskin hauled in a spectacular 75-yard touchdown reception to cut College of Idaho’s lead to 16-14 in the third quarter, the Yotes responded with authority. Young orchestrated three consecutive touchdown drives in the final frame to put the game away.
The highlight came on a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Morales, who made a circus catch while battling two defenders before tumbling into the end zone. Young also found Torey Watkins for a 5-yard scoring strike earlier in the fourth quarter.
While Young commanded the offense, he received plenty of support from his skill position players. Watkins led all receivers with 10 catches for 71 yards and a touchdown, serving as Young’s most reliable target throughout the contest.
Running back Rylie Byington provided the ground game’s finishing touch, carrying 19 times for 91 yards and capping the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown plunge in the closing minutes. Travis Marieiro also contributed with five receptions for 49 yards and a crucial 4-yard rushing touchdown before halftime.
The Yotes dominated time of possession 40:09 to 19:51 and amassed 484 total yards of offense, including an impressive 246 yards rushing that wore down the Battlin’ Bears defense.
College of Idaho’s defense rose to the occasion when needed most, limiting Rocky Mountain to just 29 rushing yards for the entire game. While Battlin’ Bears quarterback Trent Nobach threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns, the Yotes’ ground control and defensive stops in crucial moments proved decisive.
Haskin was virtually unstoppable through the air for Rocky Mountain, hauling in six catches for 207 yards and two long touchdown receptions, but the Yotes’ ability to control the game on the ground ultimately made the difference.
Looking Ahead
The victory sets up College of Idaho perfectly for their next challenge as they return home to Caldwell for Homecoming weekend. The Yotes will host Montana State-Northern on September 20th at 12:00 PM, looking to maintain their perfect start to the season.
With Young’s dynamic playmaking ability and a balanced offensive attack complemented by opportunistic defense, College of Idaho appears well-positioned for another successful campaign as they climb the national rankings at 2-0.
Team Statistics
| Game Stats | COI | ROCKY |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 484 | 365 |
| Pass Yards | 238 | 336 |
| Rushing Yards | 246 | 29 |
| Penalty Yards | 9-90 | 6-55 |
| 1st Downs | 31 | 14 |
| 3rd Downs | 8-14 | 4-11 |
| 4th Downs | 0-0 | 0-1 |
| TOP | 40:09 | 19:51 |
| Scoring Play | Visiting Team Score | Home Team Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1ST QUARTER | |||
 11:31 – ROCKY – Tuff Adams 7 yd pass from Trent Nobach (Austin Drake kick) 8 plays, 85 yards, TOP 3:29 | 0 | 7 | |
| 2ND QUARTER | |||
 10:19 – COI – Jackson Ames 6 yd pass from Caden Young (Josh Horn kick failed) 13 plays, 91 yards, TOP 6:10 | 6 | 7 | |
| 01:55 – COI – Travis Marieiro 4 yd run (Josh Horn kick), 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 5:14 | 13 | 7 | |
| 3RD QUARTER | |||
| 05:20 – COI – Josh Horn 31 yd field goal 9 plays, 53 yards, TOP 4:45 | 16 | 7 | |
| 03:23 – ROCKY – Darius Haskin 75 yd pass from Trent Nobach (Austin Drake kick) 4 plays, 88 yards, TOP 1:52 | 16 | 14 | |
| 4TH QUARTER | |||
| 12:57 – COI – Torey Watkins 5 yd pass from Caden Young (Josh Horn kick) 11 plays, 81 yards, TOP 5:21 | 23 | 14 | |
| 06:38 – COI – Jacob Morales 32 yd pass from Caden Young (Josh Horn kick) 7 plays, 82 yards, TOP 4:34 | 30 | 14 | |
| 05:55 – ROCKY – Darius Haskin 53 yd pass from Trent Nobach (Trent Nobach pass failed) plays, yards, TOP | 30 | 20 | |
| 01:47 – COI – Rylie Byington 1 yd run (Josh Horn kick), 9 plays, 55 yards, TOP 4:08 | 37 | 20 | |
Next Game: Montana State University-Northern
Date: September 20, 2025 | 12:00 PM
Location: Caldwell, Idaho (Homecoming)