Managing Editor
The seniors of the Mavericks weren’t just looking to say goodbye to Stocker Stadium Saturday afternoon, they were looking to capture their first home victory of the season. The Mavs did exactly that with a 20-13 victory over Adams State.
“We really came to play today,” defensive back Trent deBraga said. “This was the seniors’ last game at home. We gave up a lot of yards, but that didn’t matter. We came out and stopped them when it did matter.”
The Mavs started with a bang, scoring on their first drive. Quarterback Steve Romero hit Austin Rodriguez for a one-yard touchdown pass to put the Mavs up 7-0 early in the game. However, it was the only Maverick scoring drive of the quarter.
When the Grizzlies had the ball on first and goal at the Maverick one-yard line, the Mav defense forced the fumble and Jordan Price recovered it, running for a touchdown. However, the touchdown was ruled back when the officials called a taunting penalty on deBraga.
The Mavs didn’t do anything with the ball after that, and the Grizzlies were able to score a go-ahead touchdown with under a minute in the half, going up 10-7.
“We knew that we just had to hang in there,” coach Joe Ramunno said. “I kept telling them that good things will happen.”
The Maverick offense had just 133 yards total, compared to Adams’ 152 yards in the first half.
The second half started slowly for the Mavs. The Grizzlies were able to score on their first drive, but only managed a field goal to put them up 13-7. That would be their last score of the game. Later in the third quarter, Romero hit Zach Adair for a nine-yard touchdown to put the Mavericks in the lead, 14-13.
The fourth quarter was a defensive struggle for both sides. With just 2:04 left and the Mavs leading by one point, Travis McRae picked off an errant pass and returned it for a touchdown to put the Mavs up 20-13. The defense would hold, and the seniors left Stocker Stadium with the victory.
“It was really emotional and I am glad we got the win,” running back Will Halboth said. “It was a hard fought game and I am happy we came out with the victory.”
The Mavs finished with just 193 total yards, but scored on the opportunities they were given. The third quarter touchdown was set up by a Domonique Lewis interception deep in Grizzly territory. Jake Cimolino led the Mavs with 77 rushing yards and Halboth was able to tally 30 yards on the ground. Romero went 9-18 for 109 yards and two touchdowns. The Mavs didn’t commit any turnovers.
The defense allowed 317 total yards, but stunted multiple Grizzly drives. The Mavs forced the Grizzlies to three field goal attempts, blocking one of them. deBraga and Connor Wright led the team with 12 total tackles as Lewis tacked on eight. The defense forced four turnovers, including three interceptions.
“It was a great win because we have a lot of negative people doubting us,” Ramunno said. “We are playing our best ball of the year right now. Our young guys matured a lot and our good football players are getting better and better each week.”
With the win, the Mavs improved to 4-6 overall on the season. They will wrap up the season in Nebraska next Saturday as the face off against Chadron State.
ahimes@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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