Mines dominates Black Hills State

     Blaster the Burro got in a workout during the Mines football game against Black Hills State (BHS) on September 14th. The Orediggers won with a final score of 52 to 7 in their first home game of the season. 

     Mines started out strong with five touchdowns in the first half of the game. The win was also a combined effort between offense and defense, with BHS being completely shut out until halfway through the fourth quarter.

     Another notable part about this game is that senior running back, Cameron Mayberry, tied the Mines record for most career touchdowns with a touchdown in the second quarter. Mayberry ran for a total of 84 yards in the game against BHSU.

     “It just means a lot for this program and all the guys that have worked with me to get that; all the linemen in the past, all the receivers. It just feels good,” Mayberry said.

     Another standout player of the game was true freshman quarterback John Matocha. This was his first game starting for Mines and he lead the team straight out the gate. He completed 20 out of 22 passes for a total of 249 passing yards in the game.

      Matocha completed a pass for a touchdown to cap of the first offensive drive of the afternoon. Less than three minutes after his first touchdown he ran the ball for another to complete a 65 yard drive by Mines in one minute and eleven seconds. In the third quarter Matocha passed his third touchdown. 

     Matoca is enjoying his time playing for Mines so far and said, “[I like] the team atmosphere. We’ve got the best group of guys and I’m proud to be a Mines football player.” 

     Matoca’s performance was noticed by his teammates as well. Mayberry said, “[Matocha] did an awesome job. He’s a young kid and he plays with a lot of passion, I love it.”

     Another notable play was a fumble recovery by cornerback Logan Braden that he ran 59 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. 

    Kicker Scott Marshall completed a career-long 46 yard field goal in the third quarter. He also kicked one of his six extra points over the netting on the east side of Campbell field, shattering the windshield of an SUV parked behind the endzone.

     The Oredigger’s next game is September 21st in Pueblo against CSU Pueblo. The next home game for Mines  will be September 28th against New Mexico Highlands.