Bolden, West Monroe overcome Ehret in shootout, 47-32

West Monroe took advantage of some big special teams miscues by John Ehret while senior quarterback Slade Bolden accounted for six touchdowns in a 47-32 win for the Rebels at home Friday in the season opener for both teams.

Bolden amassed over 300 yards of offense and had four rushing and two passing scores.

Down by eight points, Ehret had a chance to get the ball back on its side but, Bolden found daylight on a 35-yard run for a score with 1:39 left to put it out of reach for West Monroe (1-0).

The Patriots had success offensively including Jormaine Coleman rushing in for a score in the third quarter that bright the game within 33-32. The special teams play of the Rebels includong a punt retun for score, a punt snap that caused the punter to be tackled deep and later a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.

“You can’t give a team like West Monroe a 21-point spot,” John Ehret cosch Del Lee Collins said. “Special teams crippled us tonight. We got it back to one point but giving up 21 points on special teams can’t come back. Can’t really expect to do so.”

Ehret (0-1) kept fighting and brought it back from down 26-7 to one-point affair on the big play, ability of quarterback Travis Mumphrey who had over 100 yards passing on the night. Official stats were not available at press time.

West Monroe wide receiver Jairus Henry had more than 150 yards receiving in the first half alone with two long grabs that the senior took to the house from Bolden in the first half.

“We did some good things,” West Monroe offensive coordinator Glenn Hunt said. “But we have to get better up front.”

The Rebels participate next Friday in the Battle on the Boarder in Shreverport, taking on Booker T. Washington from Tulsa, Okla. at 6 p.m. in Independence Stadium.