GUNNISON, Colo. – South Dakota Mines Football dropped their Halloween game to #6 Western Colorado, falling 37-6 on the road.
After the Hardrockers came up empty on their first possession, the defense forced a three-and-out from the Mountaineers offense. Following another Hardrocker punt, Western Colorado made a 50-yard field goal to go up 3-0.
Western Colorado's defense stopped the Rockers again and picked up a 56-yard touchdown pass to go up 10-0 at the start of the second quarter. They recorded another touchdown following a 15-play drive, giving them a 17-0 lead. The Mountaineers went into halftime with a 24-0 advantage.
Both teams went three-and-out to start the second half until Western Colorado collected another touchdown to take a 30-0 lead. On the next drive, the Hardrocker put together a 14-play drive that resulted in a
Ty Harris eight-yard rushing touchdown. The score was 30-6 going into the fourth quarter.
To start the fourth quarter,
Evan Hatton forced and recovered a fumble for the Rockers. However, the Hardrocker offense was stopped and Western Colorado scored on the next drive, increasing their lead to 37-6. That lead held for the Mountaineers as they defeated the Hardrockers in Gunnison.
Gage Baker was 29-for-46 with 189 yards.
Dawson Dunbar ran for 67 yards on 15 attempts, while
Joshua Morales recorded three receptions for 46 yards. On defense,
Charlie Johnson led the team with seven tackles, one tackle for loss and a forced fumble.
Gabe Frerichs tallied six tackles, one sack and two pass breakups.
The Rockers dropped to 5-4 overall and 3-4 in the RMAC with the loss.
What's Next
The Rockers come home next week to take on #4 CSU Pueblo on Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. Senior Day festivities will take place before the game.
