The Battle of Nevada goes to the UNLV Runnin Rebels, and the Fremont Cannon will be painted red. UNLVs rivalry game with UNR has been around since 1969, but the cannon was not introduced until 1970, and here is a background on the Fremont Cannon.
The Cannon
In 1970, the Nevada Mines Division of the Kennecott Copper Corp. donated the replica of the weaponry used in American explorer John C. Fremont's 1843 expedition through Oregon, Nevada and California. The heaviest and most expensive trophy in college football, the Fremont Cannon weighs about 545 pounds and cost $10,000 to build.
The howitzer cannon, which was fired off after every score during the game, became permanently silenced in 2000, when Rebel players and fans accidentally dropped the trophy while hoisting it in celebration of their victory.
Fighting Words
The rivalry wasn’t always kept on the football field. When the cannon was being repaired after the damages from the 2000 victory celebration, UNLV officials found some fighting words inside the cannon. The inscription of “University of Notta Lotta Victories” made fun of UNLV’s not-so-stellar record of wins. In true Rebel spirit, UNLV replied back with an inscription of “University of Northern Rejects.”
The playful rivalry continues to this day, as the two schools fight for the right to paint the Fremont Cannon.
The Rebels continued with Senior QB Cameron Friel, not removing him from the starting lineup, and he improved in this game. He was decisive and got the ball out early and fast, but did make one interception; however, he zinged the ball to his receivers who were surprisingly separating from the Wolfpack defensive backs resulting in three touchdown throws. The Rebels showed resiliency going 5-8 on third downs, which is the highlight of the season as they have the worst offense in the Mountain West Conference. Runningback Jai Den Thomas ran the ball successfully on 19 attempts for 113 yards. The Rebels offensive line opened up lanes for Thomas and he kept the first down chains moving. Tough defensive game, as Head Coach Black Rain could have lost it on the two yard line with 4 seconds left as the Wolfpack went for the winning touchdown on a goaline runningback toss to the right side of the field, and luckily the Rebels defense sealed off the outside, and tackled RB Pat Garwo III on the six yard line. It was a last second victory, and the Rebels came through, as a loss would have been devastating to the Rebels and Head Coach Black Rain. This victory may have kept him his job, and we will wait and see his fate, if he is fired, looking for a new job will take some time. If he is given another chance, he will not take it for granted.
Head Coach Black Rain
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