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Luke Kotcher

Football Luke Kotcher, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications

Football Back on the Road at Colorado Mesa

RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota Mines Football returns to action on Saturday on the road at Colorado Mesa at 2 p.m.

Series History

Colorado Mesa is 6-3 all-time against South Dakota Mines. Last season, the Hardrockers defeated the Mavericks 17-14 when Colorado Mesa was receiving votes in the top 25. South Dakota Mines has won the last two matchups in Grand Junction, Colorado.

About the Mavericks

Colorado Mesa comes into this game 5-4 overall and 4-3 in the RMAC. They have won four of their last five contests, including a 45-38 victory at Black Hills State last week. The Mavericks lost three of their first four games this season but have been on a hot streak since.

In the RMAC, Colorado Mesa has two of the top three running backs. Aiden Taylor is averaging 94.6 yards per game, while Brandon Belgrave is third with 84.1. Defensively, George Soppe is second in the RMAC with 85 tackles this season. The Mavericks were picked fourth in the RMAC Preseason Poll.

About the Hardrockers

Through nine games, South Dakota Mines is 2-7 overall and 2-5 in the RMAC. Last week, the Hardrockers fell to (RV) Chadron State 10-35 at O'Harra Stadium. That game wrapped up a three-game homestand for the Hardrockers. Their last win was a road win at Black Hills State on Oct. 4. This game marks their first game outside of South Dakota since Sept. 20 at New Mexico Highlands.

Gage Baker ranks first in the RMAC and 11th in NCAA Division II with 22.2 completions per game. He has totaled 1,884 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Will Lester ranks third in the RMAC with 76 tackles this season. His 49 solo tackles is second in the conference. Lane Thomas leads the secondary with two interceptions and eight pass breaks ups for the Hardrockers.

Game Information

South Dakota Mines Hardrockers (2-7, 2-5 RMAC) at Colorado Mesa Mavericks (5-4, 4-3 RMAC)
Date & Time: November 8, 2025 • 2 p.m.
Location: Stocker Stadium
Live Coverage: Livestream | Live Stats

What's Next

The Hardrockers will close out the 2025 season with Adams State on Nov. 15 at O'Harra Stadium. That game is Senior Day and Native American Heritage. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. against the Grizzlies.
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Players Mentioned

Gage Baker

#12 Gage Baker

QB
6' 0"
Redshirt Freshman
Will Lester

#25 Will Lester

DB
6' 1"
Senior
Lane Thomas

#21 Lane Thomas

DB
6' 1"
Redshirt Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Gage Baker

#12 Gage Baker

6' 0"
Redshirt Freshman
QB
Will Lester

#25 Will Lester

6' 1"
Senior
DB
Lane Thomas

#21 Lane Thomas

6' 1"
Redshirt Sophomore
DB