After two consecutive losses, the football team was looking for a win in its final away game against long-time rival Western State Colorado University. The Mavs went into the game with a record of 5-4 with an opportunity to clinch their first winning season since 2008.

The team fell short as CMU’s defense couldn’t keep up with the Western offense, losing 31-7 to the Mountaineers. The Maverick offense struggled and ended the game with four fumbles, three interceptions and a blocked field goal.

Western State came into the game with a 1-7 mark and riding a three-game losing streak.

“The turnovers were a major factor in the first half,” coach Russ Martin said. “We had several dropped balls that could have been game changing, but we couldn’t make those big plays. Those plays could have changed the momentum for us, but instead it changed the momentum of the game for Western. The fumbles and turnovers were a huge factor in today’s loss.”

The Mavs began the game with the ball but were forced to punt it away after Western’s defense turned up the heat on Aric Kaiser and the offense. On CMU’s next possession, Kaiser completed an 18-yard pass to Zach Schiegg on the CMU 45-yard line, but Schiegg fumbled and it was recovered by Western State’s Jacob Weiss.

It was all Western from there as the Mountaineers showed their dominance quickly in the first quarter, using the short field to their advantage. Lance Stuht rushed for a one-yard touchdown to cap the drive.

By the first half, CMU had committed three more fumbles and two interceptions to go with them. Western was able to capitalize and ended the first half with a 24-0 lead.

The Mavericks were able to score on their first possession after the half when Kaiser connected with Daniel Perse for a 50-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown was the only time the Mavericks were able to score in the game.

The Mavericks (5-5, 4-4 RMAC) play their last game Saturday at home against Adams State (6-4, 4-4 RMAC), where they will look to end the season above .500.

“It’s a very important game,” Martin said. “If these guys want to go out with a winning season, then they need to do everything they can this week to prepare for it.”

elsuch@mavs.coloradomesa.edu