After being benched early in the 4th quarter, quarterback Gavin Herberg stoically returned for the Mavs for the two-minute drill, leading them to a field goal to give them the lead with 38 seconds left. However, Black Hills State University’s Coleman Chapman then nailed a 50-yard field goal with one second left to give them the 25-23 win.
The Colorado Mesa University (CMU) defense held their own, and the offense looked explosive at times, but once again were limited. Through four games, the offense has had plenty of huge plays, and are third in the RMAC in passing yards. However, with the big play offense they are second to last in offensive plays, making the defense lead the conference in total defensive plays.
“We need to put the ball in the best players hands as much as possible, by any means. That’s how you win,” receiver Keenan Brown said.
The offense came out strong with two straight first downs, before an errant snap ended the first drive. On the second drive the big play offensive scheme worked, and Brown went deep and hauled in an 84 yard touchdown to take the lead 7-0.
Brown went off again with 152 yards, and is averaging over 100 yards per contest. However, the receiver has been limited by the big play offense, only making four catches a game.
A few drives later freshman safety Jason Thome intercepted the Black Hills quarterback, setting up great field position for the Mavs. Thome has been the definition of a playmaker with four interceptions the last two games.
With the short field, the Mavs marched down and Herberg threw a picture perfect ball to Hollingsworth in stride in the corner of the endzone for a nine yard touchdown. The lead was short lived, as Black Hills ran a perfect four-minute drill and scored a touchdown to take the 16-14 lead with seconds left in the first half.
In the third quarter the game changed. With how explosive the CMU offense tries to play, Black Hills played as slow as possible. They pushed the lead to 19-14 and was on offense for all but one minute of the quarter.
“We definitely took a hit with our backs Levi [Krebs] and Cam [Nathan] getting hurt, they’re critical parts of our team… We got to get off the field and give our offense more opportunities,” Thome said. “We’re a bend, don’t break defense, but there’s times where we got to make plays and step up.
Despite Herberg playing solidly, the Mavericks went to quarterback Leslie Richardson for the 4th quarter. Richardson was good the first two drives moving the offense, and connected with receiver Trevin Edwards for a 43 yard score to take the lead 20-19. Edwards has been another big play receiver for the Mavericks, with a touchdown catch in three straight games.
“The rhythm between the [quarterbacks] is no doubt different, naturally with them having different play styles. I think they both bring a lot to the table and have both had their moments where they have led our offense,” Edwards said.
Once again the lead was short lived, and Black Hills kicked another field goal to take the lead 22-20 with five minutes left. The next drive Richardson threw another deep ball but was picked off. The ensuing drive, with the game on the line the Maverick defense came up huge forcing a three-and-out.
Herberg, undaunted, replaced Richardson for the Mavs final drive.
On his second pass back, Herberg went deep again and found receiver David O’Connell down the sideline for a 39-yard gain. Kicker Henry Kattleman then came on to deliver a clutch 36-yard field goal to take the lead with :38 left.
“We got two guys that have different elements. [Richardson] came and connected and did a good job on that second drive… You know, it didn’t faze [Herberg] at all. He came back in with the game on the line and was able to move the field down to put us in a position to win,” head coach Miles Kochevar said.
Like the end of the first half, Black Hills played the final few seconds perfectly setting up the Coleman game winning kick. Coleman was 4/4 on the day, with two of his makes from 48 and 50 yards.
The Mavericks drop to 2-2 and will now head to Gunnison to play rival 19th ranked Western Colorado University in the Mountaineer Bowl.
