GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. --- The defense set the tone for the day as the South Dakota Mines football team earned its first-ever win over Colorado Mesa in dominate fashion, 24-9, Saturday afternoon in Grand Junction, Colorado.

The Hardrocker D was very solid Saturday keeping the Mavericks on their side of the field for most of the day. Dominick Jackson got the 'Rockers off to an early lead after an interception and return of 32 yards for the touchdown and first score of the game. Enis Sefa added the point after as the visitors took a 7-0 advantage at the 8:53 mark of the first quarter.

South Dakota Mines added to their lead early in the second quarter when the 'Rockers' offense took advantage of some outstanding field position as Ahmad Lewis capped off a four-play 18-yard drive with a one-yard rush for a TD. Sefa tacked on the PAT as the visitors led, 14-0, with 12:46 remaining in the first half.

Later in the second quarter, Sefa added to the 'Rockers' advantage, making good on a 27-yard field goal at the 4:23 mark after an 11 play 56-yard drive that spanned just over five minutes.

The Mavericks finally registered points on the scoreboard at the end of the first half when they managed to pin the 'Rockers deep in their own territory and got two points on a safety at the 2:38 mark.

The Hardrockers added another score at the end of the third quarter when Lewis rushed in from six yards out for six points after a six-play, 62-yard drive. Sefa added the extra point to account for all the SDM scoring.

The Mavericks finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter, but their offense was ineffective in the game. Quite the difference after the Mav's hung 56 points on the Yellow Jackets a week earlier.

The Hardrockers tallied 333 yards of total offense with a well-balanced attack. The visitors racked up 178 passing yards and 155 rushing. The Mavericks had 261 yards of total offense.

Spencer Zur got the start at quarterback on Saturday for South Dakota Mines, completing 16-23 passes for 178 yards, and one interception. He also rushed the ball 10 times for 59 yards.

Lewis led the ground attack rushing for 85 yards on 30 carries and two scores.

Eight different receivers caught passes in Saturday's victory. Isaiah Eastman, the RMAC Special Teams Player of the Week, led the team with five receptions for 61 yards. Lewis caught three for 42 and Collin Zur hauled in three for 28 yards.

Defensively, Cole Peterson led the team with 11 total tackles, Kyante Christian added nine and Bryan Akunna registered eight, including two sacks. Gavin Chaddock and Otutoa Afu both had one sack in the game and Adrian Eastman was also credited with an interception returned for eight yards.