RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota Mines Football is set to begin RMAC play against Colorado Mesa on Saturday at 1 p.m. at O'Harra Stadium.

Series History

Colorado Mesa holds a 7-3 record over South Dakota Mines. After the Mavericks won the first four matchups, both teams have gone back-and-forth every season since 2020. Last year, Colorado Mesa won 38-12 in Grand Junction. Charlie Johnson led that game with 12 tackles.  

About the Mavericks

Through their first two weeks, Colorado Mesa is 1-1. They lost to #5 Minnesota State but rebounded with a 42-23 victory at Eastern New Mexico last week. Last season, the Mavericks went 6-5 with a 5-4 record in the RMAC. They ended the season with three wins in their last four games.

Quarterback Liu Aumavae has 356 yards and four touchdowns in two games. His favorite target has been Trek Keyworth, who has 156 receiving yards and two touchdowns. On defense, Noah Williams is third in the RMAC with two sacks. The Mavericks were picked fifth in the RMAC Preseason Poll.

About the Hardrockers

South Dakota Mines is 2-0 for the first time since 2021 after picking up a 38-35 win at Drake and a 38-17 victory over Southwest Baptist. In both games, the Rockers went out to big leads. They led 31-13 after the third quarter at Drake and went out to a 24-0 lead at halftime last week against the Bearcats.

Dawson Dunbar has 258 rushing yards with four rushing touchdowns in two games. His 7.6 yards per rush is fourth among qualified players in the RMAC. Gage Baker's 448 passing yards is second in the conference. Johnson is first in the RMAC and fifth in NCAA DII with 24 total tackles. He also has two interceptions, one forced fumble and one pass defended. The Rockers were picked to finish seventh in the RMAC Preseason Poll.

Game Information

South Dakota Mines Hardrockers (2-0, 0-0 RMAC) vs. Colorado Mesa Mavericks (1-1, 0-0 RMAC)
Game Theme: Salute to Service | Wear Red, White & Blue
Date & Time: September 12, 2026 • 1 p.m.
Location: O'Harra Stadium
Live Coverage: Livestream | Radio | Live Stats | Tickets

What's Next

South Dakota Mines will take on Adams State next week in Alamosa, Colorado. They return home for Homecoming to face New Mexico Highlands on Sept. 26 at 1 p.m.