ROLLA, Mo. – Derek Jackson scored three rushing touchdowns to help the Chadron State College football team build a 31-0 lead en route to its 40-27 season-opening victory over Missouri Science and Technology Thursday evening in Rolla.
 
The Eagles, who have now defeated Missouri S&T in three-straight season openers, led wire-to-wire and benefitted from a balanced offensive attack as well an opportunistic defense.
 
The ground game was powerful, accounting for 278 yards and four touchdowns. Cody Paul, a junior from Seal Beach, California, led the way by rushing for a game-high 132 yards on 19 carries. His 48-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter sealed the Eagles' victory after the Miners had cut the lead to 34-20.
 
While the speedy Paul provided the big plays, CSC's bigger backs also had their chances to shine as six players had at least one carry. Jackson had 12 carries for 44 yards, redshirt freshman Kevin Coy added 67 yards on 12 carries and TD Stein, who was making his first start at quarterback, rushed for 27 yards on five carries.
 
Stein was impressive in his debut. He completed 17 of 26 passes for 206 yards and one touchdown. He led the Eagles on seven scoring drives, and CSC scored on all six of its red zone attempts and converted seven of 13 third down attempts. Danny O'Boyle had a team-high six receptions for 75 yards and Kyle Vinich added four grabs for 70 yards and a TD.
 
The Eagles' defense had a strong opening performance. CSC limited Missouri S&T to less than 100 yards in the first half and a third quarter interception by Cole Montgomery resulted in a touchdown run from Jackson. KamRon Tomlinson also had his first career interception and eight players had at least four tackles.
 
Stein wasn't the only young player to turn heads. Kirk Durtsche, a redshirt freshman from Casper, Wyoming, who was also making his first career start, tied Dylan Furrier for the team lead with nine tackles.
 
Chadron State opened the game strongly when Randy Wentz nailed a 33-yard field goal to cap an eight play, 58-yard drive. The Eagles didn't score again in the first quarter but they added two touchdowns in the second quarter and Jackson scored two more TDs early in the third quarter as CSC built its lead.
 
For the game, Missouri S&T gained 363 yards. Quarterback Lamar Wilkes completed 17 of 37 passes for 186 yards but threw two interceptions and was sacked twice.
 
Chadron State will play at Missouri State Saturday.

Scoring Summary
First Quarter
CSC – Randy Wentz 33 field goal
Second Quarter
CSC – Derek Jackson 1 run (Wentz kick)
CSC – Kyle Vinich 3 pass from TD Stein (Wentz kick)
Third Quarter
CSC – Derek Jackson 2 run (Wentz kick)
CSC – Derek Jackson 2 run (Wentz kick)
MST – Chris Kennard 42 run (Nolan Mannino kick)
Fourth Quarter
MST – Dalton Major 3 run (pass failed)
CSC – Wentz 34 field goal
MST – Lamar Wilkes 7 run (Mannino kick)
CSC – Cody Paul 48 run (rush failed)
MST – Alonzo Vang 14 pass from Tyler Swart (Mannino kick)