GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Cody Paul rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown and the Chadron State ground game finished with 235 yards en route to a 24-13 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference victory over Colorado Mesa University Saturday afternoon.
 
Not even the speedy Paul could do anything about a weather delay in the fourth quarter. The two teams were forced to their locker rooms due to lighting in the area for 37 minutes late in the fourth quarter during the Eagles' (2-2, 1-1 RMAC) final drive. Following the delay, Chadron State kept possession and converted two fourth downs due to Colorado Mesa (2-2, 1-1 RMAC) penalties to run out the clock.
 
Other than the delay, scattered rain showers and hail, the game was slow-paced. The two teams combined to punt 16 times and gained 654 yards. Only 10 of 33 third downs were converted and the Eagles and Mavericks committed 16 penalties.
 
Despite some offensive woes, the Eagles never trailed. Chadron State's offense struck on the opening drive when quarterback Jonn McLain, who completed 13 of 33 passes for 123 yards found Kyle Vinich in the end zone for an 11-yard score to punctuate a 10-play, 65-yard drive.
 
The Mavericks, who weathered a blocked punt which was the Eagles' fifth special teams block this season, answered later in the first quarter when Aric Kaiser slung a pass to Daryl Hawkins in the flat for a 4-yard TD to cap a 10-play, 80-yard drive.
 
Chadron State didn't wilt, though, and Michael Madkins and Cody Paul promptly marched the Eagles down the field. Paul had back-to-back runs of 18 and 17 yards and Madkins, who gained 74 yards in the game, burst through the left side of the line for a 9-yard touchdown scamper to put CSC up, 14-7.
 
The Eagles' Randy Wentz added a 36-yard field goal in the second quarter and the Eagles went into halftime with a 17-7 lead.
 
Mesa struck first in the third quarter when Ricky Trinidad ran in for a 15-yard TD. The Mavericks appeared to find the end zone quickly on their next drive following a CSC interception, as well. However, the wide receiver who hauled in the catch in the end zone was whistled for offensive pass interference and the Mavs were forced to punt.
 
The two teams traded possessions the remainder of the third quarter until Paul broke free for a 6-yard TD run midway through the fourth quarter to put the game away.
 
Zac Bargen led the CSC receiving corps with three catches for 38 yards. Madkins, VInich and Austen Stephens each had two catches and five others had one reception.
 
The Eagles also benefitted from a strong defense – CSC had four sacks in the game and forced two turnovers – and kicking game. Punter Zach Smith averaged 39.9 yards on seven punts and four of his kicks pinned the Mavericks' inside the 20-yard line.
 
In addition to two turnovers, the CSC defense broke up 10 passes. Ryan Wood led the defense with nine stops and an interception. Lane Haller added eight tackles and Courtland Joshua had seven and a sack. Isaac Holscher, Olufemi Aaron and Collin Eisenman also had sacks. Mitch Collicott, who entered fall camp as an offensive lineman but switched to the defensive line prior to the Eagles' opening game, also forced a fumble.
 
Chadron State will host Western State for homecoming Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
 
CSC        14 3 0 7 – 24
CMU      7 0 6 0 – 13
 
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
CSC – Kyle Vinich 11 pass from Jonn McLain (Randy Wentz kick)
CMU – D. Hawkins 4 pass from Aric Kaiser (Eli Williams kick)
CSC – Michael Madkins 9 run (Randy Wentz kick)
Second Quarter
CSC – Randy Wentz 36 field goal
Third Quarter
CMU – Ricky Trinidad 15 run (pass failed)
Fourth Quarter
CSC – Cody Paul 6 run (Randy Wentz kick)