The Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Mavericks defeated conference opponent Chadron State College (CSC) Eagles 38-37 in overtime this weekend at Don Beebe Stadium in Chadron, Nebraska.
After a narrow home loss to Colorado State University- Pueblo (CSUP) in last week’s Homecoming action, the Mavericks hit the road to take on the 3-6 Eagles.
The Mavericks were without redshirt sophomore quarterback Karst Hunter for the game. Last week, the quarterback had four touchdowns and nearly 350 yards of total offense against CSUP. Hunter currently ranks third in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in total offensive yards, despite only playing eight games. Without their star quarterback, head coach Miles Kochever had to find another way to try to win.
Due to Hunter being inactive, redshirt freshman Kia’i Keone got his first collegiate start at quarterback. The Hawaii product was solid in his first start, making smart plays and taking care of the football. Keone played the first half and the opening moments of the second half for the Mavericks. He finished the game with seven completions, and 62 yards of total offense.
Going into halftime, the Mavericks found themselves trailing the Eagles 24-3. On the Eagles first drive out of the break, redshirt sophomore defensive back and senior linebacker Siaosi Finau combined for a huge fourth tackle stop to give the ball back to the offense.
After the defensive stop Coach Kochevar and the Mavericks decided to switch the quarterback position, putting in sophomore Gavin Herberg for Keone. Herberg was a decorated high school quarterback, leading Pine Creek High school to a state championship in 2019. However, due to his athleticism this season, Herberg has transitioned to the safety position. Just three weeks ago, Herberg led the team in tackles in the win against Fort Lewis College.
Returning to his natural position seemed easy for Herberg, as he connected with redshirt junior receiver Keenan Brown for a 46-yard touchdown on his first drive to spark the Mavericks comeback.
Minutes after the Brown touchdown, Herberg led the offense on another scoring drive, this time hitting graduate student receiver Jacob Whitmer in the endzone to bring the Mavericks within one touchdown at 24-17.
Both teams then traded touchdown scores making the game 31-24 in favor of the eagles. With just over two minutes remaining in the game, Herberg and the offense went on a 98-yard touchdown drive to tie the game at 31 with 22 seconds left. Once again it was Brown and Whitmer hauling in huge catches to keep the game alive. The duo dominated the Eagles secondary, combining for 16 catches, 315 yards, and four touchdowns.
Chadron State College falls to 3-7 with the loss, and Colorado Mesa University improves to 3-6. CMU will play their season finale against New Mexico Highlands at Stocker Stadium this Saturday at 1:00 PM. The game will be senior day and military/ first responder appreciation day. The Mavericks will honor their seniors prior to the game and honor first responders and military personnel during the game.
