Opinions Editor, Sports Reporter
All of Stocker Stadium was brought to its feet this weekend when senior quarterback Jason Haferman completed a crucial 32-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Ian Juede.
The Mavs ensured a one-point advantage over the Adams State Grizzlies (17-16) with only 2:25 remaining in the game.
“It was an indescribable feeling to score for my team at such an important moment,” Juede said. “That play really opened the game up and presented the opportunity to win the whole thing.”
The Mavs fought relentlessly through the final two minutes of the game, hoping to end their season with a win. However, the game came to a heartbreaking finale when Adams State’s Logan Beck kicked a 39-yard field goal with five seconds remaining in the game, sealing the win for the Grizzlies, 19-17.
“Today was an exhilarating win for Adams,” coach Russ Martin said. “And an equally disappointing loss for us. It’s always hard when it comes down to the last few seconds like that.”
The Mavs opened the game with a great deal of energy and determination after opening with a sentimental senior farewell ceremony. Senior Austin Rodriguez caught a touchdown pass from Haferman on the Mavs’ first possession of the game and linebacker Andrew Hurley intercepted the ball on only the third play of the Grizzlies’ first possession. CMU was able to capitalize on the interception with a 40-yard field goal by Elijah Williams.
The Mavs looked confident and aggressive during the first quarter but that spark seemed to fade as the game went on.
Adams State scored the only points of the second quarter to cut the score to 10-7, and both teams struggled to make anything happen through a scoreless third quarter.
Logan Beck started off the fourth with another field goal, followed by an ASU touchdown by Michael Carl leaving the Mavs trailing 16-10.
With 2:25 left, Ian Juede caught the go-ahead touchdown pass which put the Mavs ahead by a sole point. The defense needed to make another stop late, but Logan Beck robbed the Mavs of the win with yet another well-executed field goal.
Martin explained that Saturday was about much more than winning a football game, it was about honoring the graduating seniors who suited up with the Mavs for the last time this weekend.
Jason Haferman started at quarterback for only the third time this season.
“He’s a senior and he deserved to start,” Martin said. “He has worked tremendously hard for this program and I was proud to have him out there.”
Senior Jake Edmiston completed the game with 22 tackles and ended his college career with 155 tackles (90 solo) on the season.
“It’s been an emotional week,” Edmiston said. “My entire life has been football. I’m going to miss putting on pads next fall.”
This season Edmiston made the Capital One Academic All-District, RMAC Academic Player of the Year, RMAC All-Academic First Team and was awarded USA Football National Player of the Week (Oct. 16) as well as RMAC Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 14).
“I’ve learned so much through this program,” Edmiston said. “We (seniors) will take those lessons with us for the rest of our lives. That’s all life is anyways, competing to the very best of your ability every day.”
aachambe@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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