RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota Mines football team was looking to get over .500 in a matchup against Adams State on the road.
They succeeded in getting over .500 in a game that they dominated from start to finish. The Hardrockers got another school record from
Ben Noland and were able to bench nearly all of their starters in the second half in a 63-9 victory.
How It Happened – South Dakota Mines got a quick defensive stop to begin the game then scored in just over two minutes on a 5-play 85-yard drive, with it finishing on a 59-yard connection from Johannsen to Noland. Another three-and-out would follow as the Hardrockers offense would march down and score again. This time it was a 9-yard connection between Johannsen and Noland and Noland's second score of the game would tie the school record with 13 receiving touchdowns on the season.
As we moved into the second quarter, Adams State would answer with three points, but there was just no answer for the Hardrockers offense on this day. A 20-yard connection from Johannsen to
Henry Dryden wrapped up the next drive, giving the Hardrockers a 21-3 advantage. The Hardrockers defense forced a fumble on the first play for Adams State and you bet, the offense took advantage, scoring from two yards out with a
Jalen Frye rush. Adams State answered with six of their own, before getting the ball back into Johannsen's hands with 2:19 remaining in the half. Noland would receive an 8-yard pass for a school record-breaking 14th receiving touchdown of the season as SDM went up 35-9 at the half.
On the opening drive of the second half, it would be
Jalen Frye from 9 yards out pushing the lead to 42-9. Another forced fumble by the Hardrocker defense, this time
Hunter Newsom on a strip sack would give the offense the ball back, this time scoring on a rush by
Ty Harris from three yards out.
Going into the fourth with a huge lead, the Hardrockers would get the ball back and run the ball six straight times with
Holden Gilbert, picking up 43 yards including an 11-yard score. Nearing the end of the game, Orland Westrbook-Sanchez III and
Dawson Dunbar would get some more run in the backfield, combining for 47 rushing yards, but Dunbar finished it off from 8 yards out giving the Hardrockers the 63-9 scoreline they would finish the game with.
Notes –
Ben Noland had just four receptions for 86 yards, but three of them went for touchdowns, leading to the aforementioned school record…
Jayden Johannsen completed 16-23 passes for 236 yards and four touchdowns…As a team, the Hardrockers rushed for 257 yards on the ground on 41 carries, scoring five touchdowns. Each of Westbrook-Sanchez III, Johannsen, Harris, Dunbar, Gilbert, and Frye averaged over 4.9 yards per rush with Frye leading the way, rushing for 71 yards and two scores…
Henry Dryden recorded four catches for 76 yards and a touchdown…
Hunter Newsom recorded six total tackles with two coming for loss, one sack, a forced fumble, and recovery…
Gabe Frerichs and
Charlie Johnson each recorded an interception.
Up Next – The Hardrockers head back home for senior day and their final home game of the season against a CSU Pueblo team that has looked dominant of late, winning five in a row.
