Penalties and turnovers did in the Chadron State Eagles in their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference opener on the road against #15 ranked Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. The Eagles would fall in the game losing 28-20.
 
The Eagles kept things close trailing only 7-3 at half. Both teams were able to move the ball but just could not find the end zone. Sophomore Derek Jackson had 105 yards rushing on 14 attempts while redshirt frehman TD Stein was 14 of 22 pass attempts and 94 yards in the first half and finished with 18 of 31 for 107 yards. Jackson finished the game with 184 yards on 25 carries. Running back redhirt freshman Kevin Coy had 94 yards on 12 carries.
 
Colorado School of Mines junior quarterback Justin Dvorak was 15 of 23 for 153 yards with 1 touchdown. Dvorak would finish the game 18 of 31 for 218 yards with 2 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
 
The second half of the game is when the both teams were able to start producing results. The third quarter belonged to the Ordiggers as they amassed a 28-3 lead and appeared to be running away with it until the Eagles offense, defense and special teams started to find their footing.
 
The Eagles would get an eight yard touchdown run by Coy following a 9 play drive for 75 yards. Senior kicker Alex Ferdinand would connect on his second field goal of the day to make the score 28-13. Just over a minute later the Eagles special teams would come up big as they blocked a punt that was then scooped up Cole Montgomery and made the score 28-20.
 
"I was very proud of the guys never giving up and coming back in the fourth quarter, but we needed to finish and score in the first half" said Coach Jay Long after the game.
 
The Eagles would finish the game giving up four interceptions including one on the last drive that sealed the victory for Mines. Penalties piled up for the Eagles as they committed 14 penalties for 125 yards.
 
The Eagles will next play in their home opener at Don Beebe Stadium on Saturday, September 26^th at Noon against RMAC opponent Colorado Mesa. You can catch the game online and on the radio by going to chadroneagles.com.