RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota Mines football team was able to defeat Chadron State on Saturday afternoon, ending the season on a good note and giving the Hardrockers several milestones. The victory was the Hardrockers 7
th, clinching their first 7-plus win season since 2010. In addition, the win brought the Eagle Rock Trophy to South Dakota Mines for the first time and snapped a 15-game losing streak against Chadron State.
How It Happened – In the first quarter, South Dakota Mines started fast, scoring on an 8 play, 75-yard drive.
Ty Harris was able to open the scoring on a 24-yard rush.
Chadron State answered early in the second with Heath Beemiller connecting with Peter Krohn. Following that, the Hardrocker defense would shut the Chadron State offense down, not allowing them any more points. The offense would answer on a 49-yard run by
Jayden Johannsen, taking a 14-7 lead, prior to the end of the half, the Hardrockers
Casey Knutsen intercepted a pass at the 1-yard line to help keep the score the same going into the locker rooms.
In the second half, the Hardrockers would continue to play great defense and add a touchdown in each of the third and fourth quarters on 88, and 87-yard drives. Johannsen connected with
Isaiah Eastman and
Jake Leone for 10 and 12-yard scores. The Hardrockers would put constant pressure on the Chadron State quarterback and get another interception towards the final whistle from
Kaleb Tischler to seal the game.
Notes – Johannsen had 304 passing yards along with two passing touchdowns and 31 rushing yards with a score on the ground…
Ty Harris led the team with 51 rushing yards and a touchdown…
Jeremiah Bridges ended his career in style with a 12 reception, 123-yard game.
Isaiah Eastman added seven receptions for 85 yards and a score…
Hunter Newsom led with eight tackles, adding .5 sacks…
Kyante Christian recorded 1.5 sacks and 2 tackles for loss on seven total tackles…
Gavin Chaddock led the team with 2.5 tackles for loss and added a sack…
Chandler Callejo recorded 3 pass breakups and 5 tackles.
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 10 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.
