RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota Mines Football took their first loss of the season against Colorado Mesa on Saturday in overtime at O'Harra Stadium.
The Hardrockers came out rolling in the first quarter with two touchdowns. After Colorado Mesa put up a field goal to start the game, South Dakota Mines went on a six-play touchdown drive.
Ty Harris picked up a 23-yard rushing touchdown to give the Rockers a 7-3 advantage.
Following a Mavericks three-and-out, the Hardrockers went on a long drive, capped off by a
Joshua Morales 20-yard touchdown reception.
Sam Eccles' extra point made it 14-3 after the first quarter.
South Dakota Mines went up 17-3 midway through the second quarter after Eccles made a 23-yard field goal. Colorado Mesa made the score 17-10 after a late touchdown. The Rockers would lead 17-10 at halftime.
The Mavericks recovered a fumble at the start of the second half and tied the game with 13:32 left in the third quarter. Both teams could not score until Morales caught another pass from
Gage Baker for a 10-yard touchdown at the end of the quarter. The Rockers led 24-17 at the end of the third quarter.
Colorado Mesa tied the game with 1:10 left in regulation. After Colorado Mesa missed a go-ahead field goal with three seconds left, the game went to overtime.
The Hardrockers started on offense in overtime, but they missed a field goal. Colorado Mesa picked up a touchdown to end the game at 30-24.
Baker was 17-for-31 with 167 yards and two touchdowns. Morales caught five passes for 63 yards and two touchdowns.
Blake Borchers picked up 43 yards and
Dawson Dunbar ran for 51 yards. Defensively,
Aiden Werlinger led the Rockers with 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three quarterback pressures and two sacks.
Evan Hatton had nine tackles and
Charlie Johnson totaled eight.
With the loss, the Rockers dropped to 2-1 and 0-1 in the RMAC.
What's Next
The Rockers will make the long road trip to Adams State next Saturday at 12 p.m. They return to Rapid City for Homecoming against New Mexico Highlands on Sept. 26 at 1 p.m.
