Central Washington used a balanced attack to hand the Mavericks its second loss of the season to a nationally ranked team. The Wildcats racked up 467 total yards (315 passing, 152 rushing) including 18 points coming from their special teams.

            CWU jumped out to a 14-0 lead on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown and scored on a 39-yard pass reception late in the first quarter. On the ensuing possession Kris Means broke for an 80-yard run to cut the lead in half (7-14). The Wildcats closed out the first quarter on another touchdown pass and a 21-7 first quarter lead.

            MSC's last scoring drive of the day came on the first possession in the second quarter on a Phil Vigil to Maurice Manley 7-yard touchdown reception.

            The Wildcats scored 27 unanswered points including a 95-yard kickoff return in the second quarter. Aside from two special team touchdowns and two field goals (31, 21) the Wildcats four touchdowns were pass receptions of 13 yards or better. CWU defense held the Mavericks to 19 offensive yards in the second half.

            Means led the Mavs on the ground with 81 net yards on two carries. Manley finished with four receptions for 59 yards and one touchdown. Vigil was 11-of-17 for 118 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Vigil was sacked nine times.

            Mesa State (0-2, 0-0) returns home for its conference opener Saturday afternoon (Noon) to host New Mexico Highlands.