RAPID CITY, S.D. – On Saturday, the South Dakota Mines football team battled regional rival Chadron State for the Eagle Rock Trophy.
In a closely contested game, the Hardrockers emerged victorious thanks to an offense that controlled the line of scrimmage, rushing for over 200 yards. A dominant defense allowed South Dakota Mines to move to 4-5 overall and 3-4 in conference play with a 24-17 victory, bringing the Eagle Rock Trophy back to Rapid City and moving Chadron State to 3-6 overall and 2-5 in conference play.
How It Happened – After an early defensive stop, South Dakota Mines took control of the game with a long drive ending in a
Dawson Dunbar rushing touchdown, taking 7:25 off the clock.
Chadron would quickly respond with a field goal; however, the Hardrockers would have another lengthy, eight-minute, 58-second drive, taking a 10-3 lead into the half.
Early in the third, a blocked punt by Chadron State tied the game at 10, but South Dakota Mines would ride its defense to regain momentum.
Caleb Franklin made a fantastic play, reading a screen from the defensive line and moving in front of the receiver to make a diving interception.
The offense would capitalize, scoring a few plays later on a
Holden Gilbert rushing touchdown.
Early in the fourth, South Dakota Mines would capitalize on a turnover once more, this time a fumble recovered by
Jarin Allen.
A few plays later, Dunbar would rush for a five-yard touchdown, his second of the day, giving the 'Rockers a 24-10 lead.
Chadron would get on the board again, but it wouldn't be enough as the Hardrockers defense held steady, and they picked up the 24-17 victory.
Notes – The South Dakota Mines rushing attack picked up 221 yards on the ground with
Holden Gilbert gaining 89 yards and a touchdown,
Dawson Dunbar picking up 61 yards along with two scores, while
Orlando Westbrook-Sanchez III added 44 rushing yards…
Henry Dryden led the team's receivers with four receptions for 46 yards…
Caleb Franklin intercepted a pass…
Charlie Johnson had a stellar game, picking up seven total tackles, recording a sack and a fumble forced…
Isaac Engle also forced a fumble while recording a sack.
Up Next – South Dakota Mines hosts Colorado Mesa on Saturday, Nov. 9 for senior day when they honor 28 student-athletes who are moving on. The game is scheduled for a noon kickoff, with senior day festivities beginning 35 minutes prior to game time.
Fans can find the latest on South Dakota Mines football all year long on X and Instagram (@hardrockerfb), while also following on Facebook at Hardrocker Football. The latest on South Dakota Mines athletics can be found by following us on X at @GoHardrockers, hardrockerathletics on Instagram and Hardrocker Athletics on Facebook.
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.
