The Colorado Mesa University Mavericks tried in vain to retain momentum against the 11th ranked Nebraska-Kearney Lopers after their big win last weekend over Dixie State.

After a strong first quarter on both sides of the ball, the Mavericks trailed 7-3. New starting quarterbackSteven Romero had an impressive debut, going 7-18 for 78 passing yards but had to leave the game early with a shoulder injury after a rush attempt.

“When you have a running quarterback, he’s going get hit and that’s part of the game,” coach Joe Ramunno said. “I’m proud of what Romero did. He has a really quick release.”

Michael Mankoff made his first appearance of the season replacing the injured Romero. On his first pass attempt, he threw a 36-yard touchdown to running back Jay Knaus. The touchdown brought the Mavs within four points at 14-10. That would be the last time they scored. The Lopers scored 38 unanswered points. Mankoff ended up completing 9 of 22 pass attempts for 121 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

The Mavs showed signs of life on offense throughout the game but couldn’t get the clutch plays they needed. The offense turned the ball over six times, with three fumbles lost and three interceptions.

“We had a lot of dropped balls and have way too many plays defensively. We need to be more balanced,” Ramunno said. “It’s a new offense and we are still trying to figure it out.”

The players and Ramunno said that the score didn’t reflect how the team played.

“I’m proud of our guys,” Ramunno said. “We will continue to grow and get better. There is a lot of football left.”

Trent DeBraga had another outstanding game with 17 total tackles and one pass break up.

“The score sure didn’t indicate the way we played today,” DeBraga said. “I feel like our defense played one hell of a game.”

With the loss, the Mavs fall to 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in the conference. Next week the team will head to New Mexico Highlands in Las Vegas, N.M. before they come home Oct. 1 for homecoming weekend.

afix@mavs.coloradomesa.edu