Eagles beat Cowboys, break into rankings
After defeating New Mexico Highlands University 36-33 on Saturday in Las Vegas, the Eagles have a serious chance to make a playoff push.
“As of now we just need to continue to take care of our business and focus on a new game for the next three weeks,” Head Football Coach Jay Long said.
The Cowboys set the pace in the first quarter of the game by scoring the first 10 points with a run on the inside and a 49-yard field goal.
Chadron’s first score came in the second quarter when quarterback Jonn McLain, senior of Chadron, found inside receiver Cody Roes, senior of Chadron, for a three-yard touchdown reception. Eagles then tied the game when kicker Alex Ferdinand, sophomore of Rapid City, S.D., kicked a 40-yard field goal.
On the ensuing drive, Highlands completed a 53-yard pass, which lead to their second touchdown of the day. After a series of punts from both teams, Highlands kicked another field goal just before halftime to make the score 10-20.
Defensive end Keifer Burke, senior of Brady, led the Eagles defensively with eight total tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble.
“Keifer had a huge impact on not only the game but also on our teams’ momentum,” coach Long said, “four sacks in one game is an incredible stat.”
Chadron State caught a break at the beginning of the third quarter after a holding penalty brought back Highlands’ 98-yard kickoff return.
Highlands would then go on to kick a field goal.
Chadron matched the field goal on their next drive, when McLain scored his second touchdown of the game with a pass to wide receiver Allan Schmaltz, senior of Rapid City, S.D.
Within the first minute of the fourth quarter, Highlands kicked another field goal to make the score 20-26.
Chadron responded and took the lead after McLain found wide receiver Chapman Ham, junior of Rapid City, S.D., for a 25-yard touchdown pass.
McLain ended the game with 368 passing yards by completing 35 of 64 attempts.
On New Mexico Highlands next drive, middle linebacker Shea Koch junior of Custer, S.D. forced a fumble that safety Phil Rivera, senior of Apple Valley, Calif., recovered to give the Eagles the ball at the CSC 47-yard line. Ferdinand would then kick his fourth and final field goal of the game, for 34 yards.
In the final minute of play, McLain of Chadron found Schmaltz for a 21-yard touchdown pass, and the lead. Following Chadron’s score, Highlands still had 36 seconds left on the clock for a chance to get in field goal range. But their hopes were denied when freshman safety Cole Montgomery of Casper, Wyo., came up with an interception to seal the win for the Eagles. This was Highlands first RMAC loss this season.
As of Tuesday, Chadron was ranked 24th in the nation and second in the RMAC. Chadron State’s record now stands at 6-2 overall and 5-1 in conference play.
This Saturday is Chadron’s homecoming and the team will be playing Western New Mexico. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
“Like I said earlier, we focus on a new game every week and the guys are very excited to play at home for homecoming this Saturday,” coach Long said.