Eagles win against former coach’s team

 

After an offensive thriller in Grand Junction, Colo., CSC walked away with its first RMAC win against Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, 41-30.

In the first quarter, sophomore quarterback Jonn McLain of Chadron started his day with a 6-yard touchdown pass to senior inside receiver Cody Roes. Roes, also from Chadron, then scored on the next drive to give the Eagles an early 14-0 lead.

However, Colorado Mesa returned the ensuing kick off for 70 yards and scored three plays later. After an Eagles punt, the Mavericks found wide receiver Austin Rodriguez down the sideline for a 69-yard pass to tie the score 14-14 after the first quarter.

Junior running back Glen Clinton of Cody, Wyo., and sophomore running back Michael Madkins of Elk Grove, Calif., each posted a touchdown in the second quarter. Clinton capped off a 13-play drive with a 5-yard rush and Madkins finished up a 7 play, 74-yard drive with a 2 yard rush.

On fourth down, McLain threw an interception that was returned by the Mavs for a 75-yard touchdown. The PAT was blocked, making the score 28-20 at halftime.

To start the third quarter,Eagles fumbled in their own red zone allowing Mesa to score, making the score 27-28. Sophomore cornerback Lane Haller of Gordon intercepted a pass in the back of the end zone which prevented Colorado Mesa from scoring.

“We did a great job of working together and playing as a team against Mesa State,” head coach Jay Long said.

In the final quarter, Mesa kicked a 17-yard field goal and took the lead. In response, McLain found junior wide receiver Nathan Ross of San Diego with a 37-yard touchdown pass. On the Eagles’ next drive, McLain found Ross again for 54 yards and the victory.

McLain ended the day with 30 of 40 for 324 yards and four touchdowns. 148 of those yards belonged to Nathan Ross who also had eight catches and two touchdowns.

The Eagles are set to play Western State this saturday for family day. Kick-off is scheduled for noon.