RAPID CITY, S.D. --- Offense hasn't been an issue for the SD Mines football program this season. The Hardrockers will look to play some shutdown defense this weekend as the 2-3 New Mexico Highlands Cowboys come to O'Harra Stadium on Saturday for a 12 p.m. kickoff.  
 
Last week, the Hardrockers came out on the wrong end of a shootout with the best scoring offense in the RMAC – the Adams State Grizzlies. The game was close up until halfway through the third quarter when it started to slip away. SD Mines proved they had some fight left in them as they battled back to score 16 points in the fourth to get it to a one score game. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to get the win.
 
Ball security is something the 'Rockers will look to improve on this week against the Cowboys. SD Mines quarterback Jake Sullivan had two interceptions last week, but threw for 300 yards and two TD's. He was helped by Kevin Thompson on the ground racking up 30 carries for 182 yards. Sullivan will set his sights on finding star receiver and RMAC Offensive Player of the Week, Brandon Labrie, who snagged 11 receptions for 182 yards and two scores.
 
"Brandon is a tremendous young talent who we ask a lot of every single week," said Hardrocker football offensive coordinator Just Udy. "His performance against Adams State is just a product of all the hard work he has put in over the past several months. Brandon's dedication to improve at his craft every day at practice is the reason he is seeing such positive results. We are lucky to have him and I look forward to watching him continue to grow in this offense."
 
The Hardrockers are no stranger to the end zone as they are posting one of the top offenses in the RMAC with guys in the Top 5 of several statistical categories.
 
Senior Kevin Thompson is sitting third with 110 carries for 554 yards and averaging 110.8 ypg. Sullivan is second in the RMAC with 103-174 (59 percent), thrown for 1,267 yards, and averaging 253.4 ypg. Labrie is holding the top spot in the conference for receptions at 32, racking up 514 yards in the process and averaging 128.5 ypg. Senior Blake Stone is dominating on the defensive side of the ball. He is sitting fifth in the RMAC with 18 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles and 43 total tackles.
 
The 'Rocker defense will be looking to make some "money down" plays this weekend to try and get the program back to its winning ways.