RAPID CITY, S.D. --- Big time offensive explosiveness could be the order of the day again Saturday when the Chadron State Eagles visit O'Harra Stadium in Rapid City to battle the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Both teams have rolled up gobs of yards and scored a vast number of points, but both also have given up large quantities of both, logically setting the stage for another high scoring contest that should keep the fans entertained.

The Eagles, who will not play a non-conference game this year, are 6-2 while the Hardrockers are 4-5 overall and 3-5 in the RMAC. 
Last week, Colorado Mines led 49-42 at halftime, then scored five more touchdowns in the third period while holding the Hardrockers scoreless in the second half.

Colorado Mines rolled up 654 total net yards and South Dakota Mines accumulated 496. These teams not only lead the RMAC in total offense, but they also rank one-two nationally in net yardage from the line of scrimmage.

South Dakota Mines is averaging 548.7 yards a game, just 3.6 yards a game fewer than Colorado Mines.  Chadron State is averaging 451.4 yards a game, 24th highest in the nation this season. That figure would be the Eagles' fourth highest all-time if it can be maintained the final two games.

When it comes putting points on the scoreboard. The Hardrockers are averaging 44 a game and the Eagles 37.8

Defensively, the Hardrockers have yielded an average of 462.9 yards a game and the Eagles 478.2, putting them eighth and ninth among the conference's 11 teams in total defense.

The CSC defense, though, has been giving up 11 fewer points a game than their Rapid City foes. The opponents have scored an average 30 points a game against the Eagles and 41.1 against the Hardrockers.

"The Hardrockers have several exceptional offensive players.  Quarterback Jake Sullivan, a graduate of St. Thomas More High in Rapid City, has completed 236 of 365 passes for 2,864 yards (318.2 per game) to rank second in the RMAC. Sullivan also can run the ball.  He's rushed for 324 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's thrown for 24 TDs so far this season.

Then there is senior running back Connor Silveria, who set the Div. II national single-game rushing record of 425 yards while carrying 46 times against Adams State on Oct. 13.  Silveria, who is 5-11, 200, also ran for 123 yards the next week against New Mexico Highlands before leaving the game in the third period because of an injury.  He did not play last Saturday in Golden but looks strong to make his return this weekend.


Sullivan's favorite target is wide receiver Isaiah Manley, who caught 14 passes against both Highland and Colorado Mines to tie the school's single-game record. For the season, Manley has 73 catches (an SD Mines career record) for 1,016 yards and 11 TDs. He is just two TD catches away from tying the school record (in a season) and already has the career TD catching school record with 19 (so far) to his credit. The old record was held by Marcus Sanchez (17).

The Eagles have won both of the games against the Hardrockers since the series, which dates back to 1912, was resumed after a 20-year hiatus after SD Mines joined the RMAC.

The winner of Saturdays rivalry gets possession of the Eagle-Rock trophy.  CSC leads the all-time series 48-18.