RAPID CITY, S.D. --- It is time for one of the biggest games of the season for the South Dakota School of Mines football team.
 
The Hardrockers will play host to Black Hills State in the Black Hills Brawl this weekend! The two teams will battle for the Homestake Trophy in what promises to be a very intense contest. This will be the 131^st game between the two universities --- the oldest rivalry in NCAA Div. II Football.
 
"Our guys are back home and ready to rock and roll this weekend for this fierce rivalry game," said Hardrocker football head coach Zach Tinker. "We've had some alums come into town and share their stories about playing in this game, what it means, and the memories our players will have from playing this Saturday night."
 
BHSU sits atop the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standings, with a perfect 3-0 record. The Hardrockers are 2-1 after a loss lost week to CSU-Pueblo. Both the Hardrockers and BHSU have played, and defeated, Dixie State in very close contests.
 
 This year's game has an extra flare to it as it is the first contest against each other as Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference members. The last time the two schools met with conference implications was 2010 when SD Mines prevailed, 23-20, in double overtime when they were both members of the Dakota Athletic Conference.
 
"They lead the nation in turnover margin," said Coach Tinker. "They are playing with a lot of belief and confidence."
 
The Hardrockers are 2-1 on the season after beating William Jewell College, 64-41, Dixie State, 31-27, and falling to CSU-Pueblo, 37-10.  SD Mines junior Jake Sullivan has thrown for an average of 230.7 yards per game. He has also tossed for six touchdowns. Junior Kevin Thompson and Sullivan also have a dual rushing attack as Thompson averages 74.0 yards per game while Sullivan averages 62.3. Senior David Jakpor leads the Hardrockers with 30 tackles --- while the team overall has two interceptions and six sacks.
 
This matchup should be a very high-flying offensive contest. BHSU is third in total offense in the RMAC, averaging 418 yards per game; while the Hardrockers have been the best third down conversion rate in the RMAC.
 
"A detail-oriented style of play is what we require to win games in the RMAC on Saturdays," Tinker said.
 
In the all-time standings, the Hardrockers currently hold the advantage with 61 wins to 58 by Black Hills State. The game has also ended in a tie 11 times.
 
Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. (MST) Saturday night on Dunham Field at O'Harra Stadium in Rapid City. If you can't make it, the game will be streamed live on the RMAC Network at: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/sdsmt/ .