RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota Mines returns to action on Saturday to battle for the Eagle-Rock Trophy against (RV) Chadron State at 12 p.m.

Series History

These two teams have a storied history dating back to 1905. The Eagles lead the series 52-25 with a 35-20 lead in Rapid City. Last season, the Hardrockers downed the Eagles 24-17 in Chadron, Nebraska. The Hardrockers rushed for 221 yards and three touchdowns in that contest.

About the Eagles

Chadron State comes into this game ranked in the most recent NCAA Regional Rankings. They are receiving votes in the top 25 of the AFCA poll. They are 6-2 overall and a perfect 6-0 in the RMAC this season. Before their bye week last week, Chadron State blanked Fort Lewis 41-0 on Oct. 18 in Durango, Colorado.

Tommy Thomas is second in the RMAC with 610 receiving yards this season. He has 11 touchdowns with 76.3 yards per game. Defensively, Logan O'Brien is sixth in the conference with 59 total tackles. The Eagles offense is fifth in the RMAC, while their defense is third. Chadron State was picked seventh in the RMAC Preseason Poll.

About the Hardrockers

Through eight contests, South Dakota Mines is 2-6 overall and 2-4 in the RMAC. They also had a bye last week. Against #5 Western Colorado on Oct. 18, the Mountaineers took down the Hardrockers 34-13. Mason Galbreath picked up 91 receiving yards in that game. Will Lester totaled 11 tackles, including six solo tackles.

Gage Baker ranks eighth in NCAA Division II with 22.88 completions per game this season. He has totaled 1,682 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. Galbreath leads the Hardrockers with 442 receiving yards. Will Lester's 68 tackles are third in the RMAC this season. Lane Thomas leads the secondary with two interceptions and seven pass breakups. The Hardrockers were picked fifth in the RMAC Preseason Poll.  

The rivalry between South Dakota Mines and Chadron State dates back to 1905. With 77 total games played, this is the Hardrockers second-most played rivalry behind Black Hills State. The last time the Hardrockers defeated both Black Hills State and Chadron State in the same season was in 1981.

This game also marks Trunk-or-Treat at O'Harra Stadium. Trunk-or-Treat begins at 11 a.m. and will run until kickoff.

Game Information

South Dakota Mines Hardrockers (2-6, 2-4 RMAC) vs. (RV) Chadron State Eagles (6-2, 6-0 RMAC)
Date & Time: November 1, 2025 • 12 p.m.
Location: O'Harra Stadium
Live Coverage: Livestream | Live Stats

What's Next

The Hardrockers will go back on the road to face Colorado Mesa on Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. They will return home for Senior Day and Native American Heritage on Nov. 15 to play Adams State.