The Colorado Mesa Mavericks Football team earned its first home win of the season Saturday, beating Chadron State 30-20 at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction. The victory comes after the Mavericks faced consecutive home losses to Western Colorado and defending conference champion CSU Pueblo, both top-ten ranked teams that reached the playoffs last year.
The Mavericks, who were still looking for a winning result in Grand Junction this season, faced a Chadron State Eagles team that also made the postseason a year ago, but entered Saturday's game with a 1-4 record. Both teams were described as relying heavily on their ground game, defense, and time of possession, a dynamic that largely characterized the first half of play.
CMU's defense initiated the scoring. Freshman defensive back Braylon Washington intercepted a pass from Chadron State quarterback Aidan Thompson, returning it for a pick-six to put the Mavericks on the board first. However, the Eagles quickly responded. Fresno State transfer Devon Rivers broke free on a swing pass for significant yardage, and Thompson then connected with Clay Sheets in the end zone for a counterpunch touchdown, tying the game at seven apiece. The Mavs' secondary continued to pressure, with Gibson Leafgreen delivering a big hit on another Chadron State pass attempt, forcing the Eagles to attempt a field goal, which they missed.
The Mavericks managed to take a narrow lead before halftime when Kale Purvis, who had previously missed a 40-yard attempt, successfully drilled a 25-yard field goal. Purvis had made five of six field goals this season coming into the game. CMU held a 10-7 advantage at the half.
The second half saw a significant shift in momentum, with the Mavericks' offense finding its rhythm. Bryson Brown, one of CMU's key playmakers, broke free for a 53-yard end-around, extending the Mavericks' lead to two scores. CMU's offensive line and run game began to wear down the Eagles' defense. Bronco Hartson, a former CMU quarterback, then broke through for a rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Current CMU quarterback Cole Hansen also contributed with a rushing score before the game concluded.
After not scoring any offensive touchdowns in the first half, the Mavericks exploded for three in the second, securing their first home win with a final score of 30-20.
