Box Score CHADRON – The Chadron State College football team didn't have the greatest start to their game Saturday against Colorado Mesa, but the Eagles might have learned how to finish one.
 
Chadron State, who weathered three turnovers, a lost kickoff, missed field goals and several penalties, earned a come-from-behind victory over the Mavericks, 30-24. It was the home opener for No. 21 Chadron State and the first Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference clash of the season for both squads.
 
"We came out slow today and had a lot of things go poorly in the first half," head coach Jay Long said. "But our guys kept their focus and they worked together, offensively and defensively, to win the game. I couldn't be more proud of them. They made the plays when they needed to and it was a battle."
 
The Eagles, who trailed 15-0 in the second quarter, didn't lead until the second half and it took a beautiful 38-yard touchdown pass to Nathan Ross down the sideline to secure the victory early in the final frame.
 
The Mavs drove twice into the Eagles' territory late in the fourth quarter but the defense shut them out both times to secure the victory. Helping lead that charge was middle linebacker Shea Koch, who finished with a game-high 23 tackles, which is the third-most tackles in a game in school history.
 
McLain completed 20 of 31 passes for 213 yards and three TDs. Two of his touchdown strikes went to Ross, who is now third all-time with 20 TD receptions.
 
Tailback Glen Clinton also stood out for the Eagles. The senior from Cody, Wyo., rushed for 139 yards on 20 carries and led the team with seven receptions for 63 yards.
 
Before the late game dramatics, Mesa owned the first quarter. The Mavs marched 71 yards in 15 plays during their opening drive before Eli Williams connected on a 22-yard field goal. On the ensuing kickoff, the ball hung in the air and Mesa recovered it before a CSC player could get to it at the Eagles' 25-yard line.
 
Following a personal foul, Jake Cimolino, who had 34 carries for 146 yards, barreled in for a 5-yard score to put Mesa up 9-0 before Chadron State even took a snap on offense.
 
The Eagles were unable to score on their next two drives since they ended with a turnover and a missed field goal. Mesa took full advantage and quarterback Kyle Duran, who also completed 15 of 27 passes for 157 yards, plunged into the end zone from four yards out to give the Mavs a 16-0 lead.
 
Chadron State finally got on the board during its next possession – the Eagles went 74 yards in 11 plays – when McLain hit Chapman Ham for a 13-yard TD in the middle of the end zone.
 
Mesa answered with a mammoth 18-play drive that concluded with another Williams field goal.
 
Late in the first half after a nifty punt 34-yard punt return from Michael Madkins, the Eagles found pay dirt when Randy Wentz connected on a 40-yard field goal to cut Mesa's lead to 18-10 at halftime.
 
Mesa State wrestled the momentum early in the third quarter when Cody Daniels picked off the opening pass. The Eagles' defense held strong, though, and forced Williams to kick his third field goal.
 
The Eagles woke up after that and scored on two straight possessions to take the lead. McLain hit Ross for an 8-yard score that wrapped up a 71-yard drive and Patrick O'Boyle, who also rushed for 15 yards, hit Cody Roes for a 21-yard TD late in the third quarter.
 
Mesa answered with a field goal to tie things up but on the third play of the final quarter McLain and Ross hooked up on a 38-yard receiving TD that put the Eagles up for good.

CMU      9 9 6 0 – 24
CSC        0 10 14 6 – 30
 
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
CMU – Eli Williams 22 field goal
CMU – Jake Cimolino 5 run (Williams kick failed)
Second Quarter
CMU – Kyle Duran 4 run (Michael Brady rush failed)
CSC – Chapman Ham 13 pass from Jonn McLain (Alex Ferdinand kick)
CMU – Williams 22 field goal
CSC – Randy Wentz 40 field goal
Third Quarter
CMU – Williams 25 field goal
CSC – Nathan Ross 8 pass from McLain (Wentz kick)
CSC – Cody Roes 21 pass from Patrick O'Boyle (Wentz kick)
CMU – Williams 32 field goal
Fourth Quarter
CSC – Nathan Ross 38 pass from McLain (Wentz kick failed)