Colorado Mesa delivers a surprising fourth-quarter comeback, handing Colorado Mines their first RMAC loss in three years.

The Colorado School of Mines football team's impressive three-year RMAC winning streak came to an end at the familiar Stocker Stadium on the Western Slope, the same venue where their last streak concluded. Colorado Mesa's quarterback, Liu Aumavae, threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, leading the Mavericks to a stunning comeback from a 13-point deficit to defeat the fourth-ranked Mines, 14-13, and secure the Nyikos Cup on Saturday. A crucial two-point conversion, executed by Sam Horneck on a reverse option pass, pushed the Mavericks (3-2, 2-1 RMAC) ahead, marking Mines' (4-1, 2-1 RMAC) first RMAC loss in three years. The Orediggers' previous conference defeat also occurred at Colorado Mesa, a 26-21 setback on October 23, 2021, which ended a 14-game conference winning streak. Following that, Mines went on to win 23 consecutive RMAC games, making two trips to the NCAA Division II championship game. However, after narrowly escaping in their first two road games of the season, the Orediggers couldn't hold off the Mavericks this time. Mines quarterback Evan Foster connected with Max McLeod for a 10-yard touchdown in the first quarter to kick off the scoring. McLeod had an impressive game, finishing with seven receptions for 92 yards, breaking Brody Oliver’s program record of 4,010 career receiving yards along the way.

A punt block positioned the Orediggers at the Mavericks’ 9-yard line during the second quarter. Just three plays later, Landon Walker leaped into the end zone, putting Mines ahead 13-0 after they failed to convert the extra point. Unfortunately for the Orediggers, they couldn't find the end zone again, as Foster was sacked five times and completed 14 of 30 passes for 159 yards, along with one touchdown and two interceptions. In the fourth quarter's opening play, Aumavae connected with Trevin Edwards for a 6-yard touchdown, but Jaden Healy blocked the extra point, leaving the score at 13-6 in favor of Mines. After Mines punted on their next drive, CMU took control of the game, consuming 5 minutes and 41 seconds on an 11-play, 98-yard drive that concluded with Aumavae throwing a 9-yard touchdown pass to Quezon Villa. Following a successful trick play for a two-point conversion, CMU took a 14-13 lead. Mines had two opportunities to reclaim the lead but couldn't capitalize, and a strip sack recovered by the Mavericks sealed the game.

This past Saturday saw some exciting action in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), the NCAA Division II football conference that includes teams from Colorado, New Mexico, and South Dakota. In one of the marquee matchups, Colorado State University Pueblo continued their strong season with a decisive 67-28 victory over New Mexico Highlands. The ThunderWolves, who are ranked #16 nationally, put on an offensive showcase, scoring touchdowns through the air, on the ground, and even on special teams. Their high-powered attack proved too much for the Cowboys to handle. Elsewhere, Chadron State easily dispatched Adams State 52-3, asserting their dominance as one of the RMAC's top programs. Black Hills State edged out South Dakota Mines 22-20 in a close, hard-fought battle, with the Yellow Jackets holding on for the narrow win. And in the final game, Fort Lewis traveled to take on Western Colorado, though the final score of that matchup was not immediately available. With several teams jockeying for position in the RMAC standings, these results will undoubtedly have implications on the conference race as the season reaches its critical final stretch. Fans of Division II football in the Rocky Mountain region were treated to an exciting slate of games this past Saturday across the RMAC landscape.