What Is 2022 Fort Lewis Skyhawks football tea

Overview

The 2022 Fort Lewis Skyhawks football team represented Fort Lewis College, a Division II institution located in Durango, Colorado, during the NCAA football season. Competing in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), the team was led by head coach Mark Ribaudo, who was in his fifth year at the helm.

The season reflected a rebuilding phase for the program, as the Skyhawks posted a losing record but showed flashes of improvement on both offense and defense. Despite not qualifying for the NCAA playoffs, the team continued to develop talent and maintain a competitive presence in the conference.

• Record: The Skyhawks finished the 2022 season with a 5-6 overall record, including a 4-5 mark in RMAC play.
• Head Coach:Mark Ribaudo entered his fifth season as head coach, focusing on program stability and player development.
• Home Stadium: The team played home games at Liz Heaston Field at Hammond Stadium, a 3,500-seat venue in Durango.
• Offensive Output: The Skyhawks scored 277 total points across 11 games, averaging 25.2 points per game.
• Defensive Performance: They allowed 30.5 points per game, highlighting areas needing improvement for future seasons.

Season Performance

The 2022 campaign was marked by competitive matchups and a mix of wins and close losses against RMAC opponents. Fort Lewis showed resilience in several games, nearly pulling off upsets against higher-ranked teams.

• Season Opener: The Skyhawks opened the season with a 31-24 win over Western New Mexico on September 3, 2022.
• Key Victory: A 41-38 overtime win against CSU Pueblo on October 15 stood out as a highlight of the season.
• Tough Losses: They suffered narrow defeats, including a 45-42 loss to Colorado Mines on October 29.
• Season Finale: The team closed with a 38-21 loss to New Mexico Highlands on November 12, ending their campaign.
• Quarterback Play: Starting QB Jaxon Moore threw for 1,842 yards and 14 touchdowns during the season.
• Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Drew Rios recorded 87 total tackles, leading the team in defensive stops.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2022 Fort Lewis Skyhawks' performance to select RMAC teams and the conference average:

The Skyhawks ranked near the middle of the RMAC in scoring offense but struggled defensively, allowing more points per game than the conference average. Their performance reflected a team in transition, aiming to close the gap with top-tier programs like Colorado Mines.

Why It Matters

The 2022 season was significant for Fort Lewis as it continued efforts to rebuild the football program after several challenging years. The team's development under Ribaudo laid groundwork for future competitiveness in the RMAC.

• Player Development: Young talent gained experience, with 12 freshmen seeing significant playing time.
• Recruiting Impact: Competitive games helped boost visibility, aiding in 2023 recruiting efforts.
• Conference Relevance: The overtime win over CSU Pueblo showed the Skyhawks could compete with established programs.
• Facility Investment: Continued use of Hammond Stadium emphasized the need for potential upgrades.
• Academic Integration: The team maintained a team GPA above 3.0, balancing athletics and academics.
• Community Engagement: Home games drew average crowds of 1,200 fans, supporting local involvement.

While the 2022 season did not end in playoff contention, it represented progress for Fort Lewis football. The foundation built that year remains crucial as the program aims for sustained improvement in the coming seasons.