WFC Roundup : Santa Clara Celebration of WFC Title Tempered by the Loss of a Teammate

It was a bittersweet night for Santa Clara University.

Just hours after the burial in Portland, Ore., of teammate Dave Cichoke, who died Monday, the Broncos tied Portland State, 20-20, to clinch the Western Football Conference title for the first time since entering the WFC four years ago.

“I was very impressed with our character during the tough times of the game,” Santa Clara Coach Terry Malley said after Bronco kicker Doug Davidovich had his last-second, 52-yard field goal attempt blocked. “I’m extremely proud of this team. We gave ourselves a chance to win.”

Cichoke, a sophomore linebacker, died of injuries suffered in a game against Cal State Northridge last week. His teammates wore Cichoke’s No. 43 on the backs of their helmets during Saturday’s game.

The Broncos (8-1-1, 4-0-1) scored on Larry Luke’s three-yard run, Greg Calcagno’s 10-yard pass to Brent Jones and Davidovich’s two field goals. Portland State tied the game with 23 seconds remaining on Mike Erickson’s 37-yard field goal.

Boise State 42, Cal Poly SLO 14--Boise State converted three Cal Poly turnovers, including two fumbles, into touchdowns during a 35-point first half. One touchdown came on a three-yard reception by Andy Regimbal, another on a seven-yard run by Dale Goodwin and the third on a four-yard run by reserve tailback Todd Anderson.

Anderson ran for two touchdowns while collecting 78 of Boise State’s 285 rushing yards. Teammate Jon Francis surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second consecutive season.