RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota Mines Football is back home for Homecoming against New Mexico Highlands on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Series History

South Dakota Mines holds a 7-2 all-time record over New Mexico Highlands. They have won five of the last six matchups against the Cowboys. Last season, New Mexico Highlands topped the Hardrockers 48-42 in overtime. Gage Baker recorded 317 passing yards with four touchdowns in that game. Dawson Dunbar collected 167 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

About the Cowboys

New Mexico Highlands comes to Rapid City with a 3-1 overall record and 1-1 RMAC clip. Last week, they defeated (RV) Black Hills State 44-36 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. They fell to Fort Lewis in overtime the week before their matchup with the Yellow Jackets. In non-conference play, they defeated Eastern New Mexico and Western New Mexico.

Ashton Bradford is third in the RMAC with 87.8 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Kadyn Parr ranks fifth with 64.3 rushing yards and seventh with 156.4 passing yards per game. On defense, Kaleb Harris has three interceptions and five passes defended, both of which rank first in the conference. The Cowboys were picked sixth in the RMAC Preseason Poll.

About the Hardrockers

Through four contests, South Dakota Mines is also 3-1 and 1-1 in the RMAC. After falling to Colorado Mesa two weeks ago, the Rockers took down Adams State 45-15 in Alamosa, Colorado. Dunbar had four touchdowns in that game for South Dakota Mines. The Hardrockers took down Drake and Southwest Baptist in their non-conference slate.

Dunbar ranks second in the conference with 105 rushing yards per game. His seven rushing touchdowns and 13.5 points per game are both first in the RMAC. Charlie Johnson's 9.3 tackles per game rank fifth in the conference so far this season. Aundreay Hamilton's four passes defended is tied for second in the RMAC, while Aiden Werlinger's three sacks is fourth. The Rockers were picked to finish in seventh in the RMAC Preseason Poll.

Game Information

South Dakota Mines Hardrockers (3-1, 1-1 RMAC) vs. New Mexico Highlands Cowboys (3-1, 1-1 RMAC)
Game Theme: Homecoming
Date & Time: September 26, 2026 • 1 p.m.
Location: O'Harra Stadium
Live Coverage: Livestream | Radio | Live Stats | Tickets

What's Next

After a contest at Fort Lewis next week, the Rockers will go into their bye week. The 141^st Black Hills Brawl is scheduled for Oct. 17 at O'Harra Stadium.