RAPID CITY, S.D.  --- The South Dakota School of Mines football team rolled over Adams State University Saturday night in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference bout --- which was also a first-ever meeting between the two programs.

The Hardrockers defeated the Grizzlies, 62-35, to cap off homecoming week on Dunham Field at O'Harra Stadium in Rapid City, S.D.

Junior quarterback Jake Sullivan set a new school record in the game, recording six touchdown passes in the tilt. The old record of five TD passes had been shared by Sullivan, from earlier this season, and John Hortness back in 1995.   

Sullivan finished the game with 376 passing yards completing 24-33 to 10 different receivers in the game. He also rushed for 40 yards on seven carries and scored a rushing touchdown as well.

The Hardrockers scored 14 points in the first quarter, 27 in the second, 14 in the third and added one touchdown in the final frame. The Grizzlies scored one TD in each of the first three quarters, before adding 16 markers in the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach.

Junior running back Connor Silveria had a breakout game for SD Mines leading all rushers with 138 yards on 17 carries. He scored a rushing touchdown in the first half and then added a receiving touchdown in the second half on a 63 yard strike from Sullivan. Fellow junior running back Dorian Coward also performed well, carrying the ball 13 times for 70 yards and score.

Special Teams play was also on point. Sophomore PAT kicker Robbie Jo Gerarden was a perfect 8-8 on extra points. Senior Marshal Gleason had 10 kickoffs for 582 yards. Senior punter Martin Rodriguez got dressed up for nothing as the 'Rockers did not attempt one punt in the game.

It was a big night for the 'Rocker receivers. Seniors Marcus Sanchez and Zach Huber paced the squad. Huber led all SD Mines receivers with 75 yards on three catches while Sanchez came away with 73 yards and a score on four catches. Senior Rashad Ridley had two receiving touchdowns on four catches for 57 yards. Freshman Ian Anderson also caught a touchdown pass on a 49-yard strike and junior Damon Barnes had the other TD reception from five yards out.


The 'Rocker defense also played a huge part in the homecoming victory. They gave Adams State fits all night with eight pass break-ups, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Sophomore linebacker Chris Counce led the team with 8 tackles, one for a loss and forced a fumble. Junior cornerback Isaiah McGuire and senior free safety Dominic Martinez had five tackles each. Senior linebacker David Jakpor recorded a fumble recovery while junior strong safety Witerson Brutus notched the INT for four yards returned. Freshman defensive back Harrison Beemiller had two tackles for a loss.

"This game is dedicated to 'Rocker Nation as our fans turned out and brought the JUICE for the second week in a row," said Hardrocker football head coach Zach Tinker. "We are really feeding off of the energy of our home crowd and the 'High Octane Rocker Offense' had an explosive performance in front of our electric homecoming crowd. It was exciting to see the play-makers on both sides of the ball step up tonight."

The win gives SD Mines a 4-1 record overall and 3-1 mark in the RMAC. Next up, the Hardrockers make a long road trip to Las Vegas, N.M. to face New Mexico Highlands Saturday in a 12 p.m. (MST) game. That is followed by a second road trip to Golden, Colo., Oct. 15 to face Colorado Mines.

"We will be challenged with two road trips over the next two weeks and must fix some execution in all three phases of the game if we're going to have a chance to beat New Mexico Highlands on their Homecoming," Tinker added.