CHADRON, NEB. --- The South Dakota Mines football team heads to the road to take on Chadron State College in a storied rivalry but looks to bring home the Eagle Rock Trophy for the first time since the rivalry was renewed in 2016. The Eagle Rock Trophy was introduced into this rivalry in 1980. In addition, the Hardrockers head into this contest with a 2-0 record, looking to start 3-0 for the first time since 2009, and searcing for the first three-game win streak since 2016.
 
Series History

      vs. Chadron State 

• This is a rivalry that has been played, going all the way back to 1905.
• The Eagles have an overall lead in the series 50-23.
• Early on in the rivalry, the Hardrockers controlled it, winning the first 10 matchups.
• Chadron State has won 79% of the time since that point, winning 50 of the last 63 matchups, and is currently on a 14-game win streak.

Gold Nuggets

• The Hardrockers have been good on both sides of the ball thus far, as their offense is leading the RMAC, scoring 43 points per game. Defensively, the Hardrockers allow 19 points per game, which is the 4^th best mark in the conference.
• Offensively, South Dakota Mines is averaging 399.5 yards per game, including 463 total rushing yards, which leads the RMAC, and has 3 blocked kicks.
• The offensive line has allowed just 1 sack through 2 games on the season.
• Defensively, the Hardrockers have given up yards but have been able to not allow teams to turn that into points, mainly through forcing turnovers, as they have forced 9 turnovers, including a conference-leading 4 interceptions, and scored two defensive touchdowns.
• The Hardrocker special teams have been stellar through the first two games, currently averaging 33.7 yards per kickoff return, as well as 39.4 net yards per punt, which are both in the top 3 in the conference, in addition to having 3 blocked kicks.
• The Hardrockers have 3 rushers in the top in the conference with Quarterback Jayden Johannsen, Ahmad Lewis, and Orlando Westbrook-Sanchez III sitting in 6^th, 11^th, and 13^th in yards per game.
• Isaiah Eastman is in the top 10 in receptions and yards, with 7 catches, for 116 yards on the year so far.
• Lewis and Connor Taylor are 3^rd and 4^th in the RMAC in scoring, while Lewis is tied for the lead in touchdowns with 4.
• Johannsen and Eastman are 6^th in the RMAC in total offense and all-purpose yards.
• Gavin Chaddock has 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, leading the conference.
• Kendahl Johnson has two interceptions, also leading the RMAC.

Scouting Report
     
    Chadron State 

• Chadron State College has started the season 0-2 with losses to tough competition at Western Colorado, and a loss in their home opener to #22 Angelo State after leading 24-7 at halftime.
• In its first two games, the Eagles have scored 17 points per game, and given up 25.5 points per game.
• Offensively, Chadron State has averaged 274 yards per game, and given up 385 yards per game on the other side of the ball.
• Elijah Myles leads the ground attack for the Eagles, averaging 95.5 yards rushing per game.
• Travis Wilson and Tayven Bray have made 5, and 4 tackles for loss, so far this season. Bray has added 2 sacks.
• Jeremiah Makahununiu has 24 tackles to lead the Chadron State defense.
• Gunnar Jones has been a weapon on special teams thus far, averaging 45.6 yards per punt, as well as dropping 5 inside the 20, and booting 4 punts 50+ yards.

About South Dakota Mines
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and NCAA Division II offering 11 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletic programs. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is a premier NCAA Division II conference with 15 members, as well as four associate members, located in the states of California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Utah.