CHADRON, Neb. – The South Dakota Mines football team headed just across the state border to Nebraska and took on Chadron State.
The Hardrockers started slow and eventually battled back, but it wasn't enough, falling in their final game of the season to end the season below .500 for the first time in Coach Flohr's tenure.
How It Happened – Neither offense got anything going early. It wasn't until a late first-quarter drive that got started after an
Isaac Engle strip sack put the Hardrockers in position at the Chadron State 11. South Dakota Mines wasn't able to get six but was able to open the scoring with a field goal early in the second quarter. After that, it was tough going for the Hardrockers for a while, first, a pick 6 in favor of Chadron State, gave them a 7-3 lead. After a punt, Chadron State took advantage of good field position, scoring to take a 14-3 lead. A bit later, they would intercept Johannsen again and take advantage of good field position, taking a 21-3 lead. Late in the quarter, the Hardrockers would line up for a field goal but missed it. Fortunately for the Hardrockers, Chadron State was called for a personal foul, giving them a new set of downs and they would take advantage, scoring on a touchdown from Johannsen to
Max Hoatson, cutting the deficit to 21-10. Chadron State would try and throw it on a 3rd and 15 near the end of the half and
Caleb Franklin came up with an interception after a tipped pass. The offense would take advantage again with a touchdown from Johannsen to
Henry Dryden. After a failed PAT, the Hardrockers trailed 21-16 at the half.
In the second half, the defenses would take over. Chadron State would score three in the third to go into the fourth with a 24-16 lead.
Early in the fourth, South Dakota Mines would finish off a 4:43 drive with 3, cutting the deficit to 24-19. A Wilson Yee field goal for the Eagles, capping off an 11-play, 70-yard drive would give Chadron State a 27-19 lead. The Hardrockers' offense would have one final chance and would move the ball inside of the Chadron State territory all the way to the 25, but would not be able to score, falling 27-19.
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 13 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.
