Michael Sweeney's 20-yard field goal with 1:40 remaining in regulation clinched the Mavericks fifth win of the year in a 16-14 win on the road at Western State. Aaron Silverthorn sealed the victory with an interception at the 1:23 mark allowing the Mavs to run out the clock. With the win MSC improved to 5-3 overall and 5-1 in RMAC action, one game behind league leading Neb.-Kearney (6-0) and Colorado Mines (6-0).
Sweeney scored ten of the teams' 16 points with a perfect 3 for 3 on field goals (34, 36, and 20) and a point after attempt on the Mavs only touchdown of the game. MSC took a 10-0 lead in the first quarter scoring on their first two possessions. Western State fumbled on the first play of the game and MSC's Chad Simpson recovered and returned the ball 12-yards to the WSC 34-yard line. Sweeney kicked a 34-yarder after the drive stalled at the WSC 17.
MSC's second offensive possession resulted in a 5-yard touchdown run by Will Halboth. The drive covered 70 yards in four plays sparked by Halboth's 60-yard run down to the Mountaineer's 10-yard line.
The second quarter was all Western State as the Mountaineers took a 14-10 halftime lead. Western's first score came on a 58-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. WSC's next offensive possession resulted in the go ahead touchdown on a 3-yard pass reception from Tyler Daniels to Shaun Suttorp. The scoring drive covered 67 yard in 12 plays.
MSC closed the gap (13-14) early in the third quarter on a 36-yard field goal by Sweeney. Mavs defense shutout Western in the third quarter, allowing just three yards of total offense. WSC's three offensive possessions resulted in zero first downs, 3 rushing yards on 6 attempts and 0 for 4 passing.
Western's opportunity to extend their lead early in the fourth quarter came following a blocked punt. The Mountaineers had first and goal on the MSC 5-yard line. Following two false start penalties and an incomplete pass MSC's leading tackler, Bennett Newton sacked the quarterback. The Mountaineers 30-yard field goal attempt was wide left.
Sweeney's winning field goal came after the Mavs were unable to score after driving to the WSC 3-yard line. MSC's Aaron Silverthorn ended the Mountaineers hopes with his third interception of the year.
MSC rushed for 120 yards on 48 carries. Michael Mankoff and Robert Felberg combined for 166 passing yards on 11 completions. Wide receiver Justin Murray had three catches for 56 yards and Halboth finished with a game high 75 yards on 13 carries.
MSC will host Adams State next Saturday at 1 p.m. at Stocker Stadium.
