The Colorado Mesa University Mavericks football team (1-3, 0-2 RMAC) was shocked by the New Mexico Highlands Cowboys (4-0, 2-0 RMAC) on Saturday, losing 41-38. The Cowboys scored a touchdown with 11 seconds left in regulation to seal the win.

CMU took a late 38-34 lead with just under three minutes remaining in the game on an 80-yard touchdown drive. The drive was only two plays long and took 15 seconds off the clock, which gave NMHU plenty of time to put together the game-winning drive.

In the contest, there were five lead changes and over 1,000 yards of combined offense. The Mavs overcame a 10 point deficit in the second half.

Since quarterback Steven Romero was unable to play due to a shoulder injury, redshirt freshman quarterback Chris Henderson made the most of his first career start. He brought life to a stagnant offense, passing for 374 yards and completing 22 of 35 passes. Henderson had one passing and rushing touchdown and two interceptions.

“Chris had a great day,” sophomore wideout Austin Rodriguez said. “I think he’s a guy who can make plays and get it done for us all year. He really stepped up and led us this week.”

Tanner Whaley had three receptions for 140 yards. Robert Felberg and Rodriguez each had a touchdown reception. Eight different players recorded at least one reception. CMU rushed for a 116 yards led by Jake Cimonlino’s 73 yards on 13 carries.

On the defensive side, the Mavericks forced four turnovers. Jake Bruno recovered a fumble deep in Cowboys territory with just over four minutes left in the game. On the very next play the Mavs scored on a 24-yard strike from Henderson to Rodriguez. The score brought the Mavs to within three points, 34-31.

“We had a lot of things go right for us this week,” Rodriguez said. “I think we just needed one or two more big plays offensively. That is what it comes down to when you are in a shootout.”

Three Mavs recorded double-digit tackles. Jake Edmiston led CMU with 15 tackles, Trent DeBraga had 13, and Connor Wright had 12 including one sack.
CMU will look to get back on track against Western New Mexico next Saturday, 1 p.m. at Stocker Stadium for CMU homecoming.

afix@mavs.coloradomesa.edu