RAPID CITY --- Fast start for the high octane offense of the Hardrocker football team. This was the fifth year in-a-row that the SD Mines football team has put up the points against William Jewell College.
 
The Rockers are looking to put the clamp down on Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference contender Dixie State at the newly remodeled O'Harra Stadium on Saturday in a 6 p.m. (MST) matchup.
 
Don't forget it's Youth Sports Night  and all kids, 12 and under wearing any sports jersey, get into the game FREE.
 
The 'Rockers "brought the juice" they were looking for in the second quarter agaings WJC as Jake Sullivan connected with freshman standout Brandon LaBrie who hauled in a 54-yard pass for a score, followed by a Sullivan three-yard rushing touchdown and then a nine-yard rushing TD from senior Dorian Cowart with 22 seconds before the half.
 
The 'Rockers headed into the fourth quarter with a 35-13 lead. The fourth quarter is where the Hardrockers want to continue to improve as the motto for the season is to "Finish".
 
William Jewell was able to find the end zone twice in the final frame, sandwiched between LaBrie's second touchdown of the night, this time on a 52-yard strike from Sullivan after a four plays for 75 yards. The game finished with a 42-27 win for the Rockers.
 
Going all the way back to the 2013 season to start the streak, the men's football team has averaged 54.6 PPG against William Jewell while going a perfect 5-0.
 
SD Mines will look to keep the momentum rolling as they prepare for a tough matchup against Dixie State to open RMAC play. These two teams have met three times before, with the series record at 2-1 in favor of SD Mines. The road team has claimed the win in each of the last three contests, so be sure the Rocker Dawg Defense will be looking to dig deep to give the fans a home opener to remember.
 
Both teams are notorious for putting up the points and total yards. This will be a game that the winner will be the team with the most defensive stops.
 
Dixie State is coming off a heartbreaking loss at New Mexico Highlands, where the Trailblazers appeared to have the game in hand. However, the Cowboys turned DSU turnovers and penalties into 16 fourth-quarter points and secured the victory.
 
SD Mines will be looking to stop the ground attack of Dixie State as Soph. RB Sei-J Lauago put up 132 yards on 20 attempts. They will also have to watch out for QB Malik Watson as he picked up 23 yards on 5 carries and a TD to go with his 1 passing TD. DSU's lone strike through the air went to R/S Soph. Kasey Allison who tallied 87 yards on 7 rec.
 
Come join the Hardrocker Football team Saturday night and make some noise!