By Robbie Ross
SouthernPigskin.com

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The Chattanooga Mocs jumped out to a big 24-0 halftime lead and never looked back defeating Weber State from the Big Sky Conference 45-14 in the first round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs.

nThe Chattanooga Mocs jumped out to a big 24-0 halftime lead behind an Alejandro Bennefield touchdown run, a Bennefield touchdown pass, an Henrique Ribeiro 41 yard field goal and a 99 yard scoop and score by Montrell Pardue, and never looked back defeating Weber State from the Big Sky Conference 45-14 in the first round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs.xc2xa0 With the win the Mocs move on to the second round to face 5th seeded Sam Houston State next Saturday.xc2xa0 The win was Chattanoogaxe2x80x99s third playoff win in the last three seasons.xc2xa0 The Mocs have fallen in their second playoff game in each of the last two seasons.xc2xa0

nChattanooga was led on offense by All-SOCON Running Back Derrick Craine with 160 yards on 20 carries to go along with the one touchdown.xc2xa0 Bennefield was 15 of 26 for 154 yards with two touchdowns.xc2xa0 Alphonso Stewart was Bennefieldxe2x80x99s top target hauling in 3 passes for 54 yards and two scores.xc2xa0

nChattanooga will face 5th seeded Sam Houston State, the Southland Conference Champion next Saturday in Huntsville, Texas at 3:00.xc2xa0 It will be the first ever meeting between the Mocs and the Bearkats.xc2xa0

nChattanooga and Weber State University football teams partnered all week to raise funds for the families of the victims of the recent Woodmore Elementary tragedy.xc2xa0 Both Universities are reached out to fans and supporters prior to todayxe2x80x99s game.xc2xa0 Over $8,000 was raised by bother schools.xc2xa0 In addition to the donation raised, both teams wore a the Woodmore Elementary helmet sticker during Saturday’s game.