MSC fell to visiting Adams State College for the fifth time in six games, losing 19-12 Saturday afternoon at Stocker Stadium.
The Mavericks turned the ball over four times directly resulting in 13 points for the Grizzlies. MSC dominated the statistic sheet; out rushing and passing ASC. MSC totaled 359 total yards to ASC's 243, but the Mavs turnovers combined with a season high 11 penalties for 119 yards sealed the victory for Adams.
The Grizzlies held a 9-0 lead and never trailed in the game. MSC tied the game at 9-9 on a safety with 40-seconds remaining in the first half.
ASC intercepted a Michael Mankoff pass on the first offensive series eventually leading to a 20-yard field goal by David Von Voris. The Grizzlies opened the second quarter on a 25-yard field goal on a series that began with a kick catching interference penalty on the Mavs punting unit.
Von Voris extended the ASC lead to 9-0 mid-way through the second quarter following a fumble recovery on the MSC 25-yard line.
MSC's scored their only touchdown of the game on a Robert Felberg to Justin Murray 17-yard pass reception to pull to within 7-9. On the ensuing kickoff the special teams unit pinned the Grizzlies deep in their own territory. Forcing ASC to punt freshman Justin Brown blocked the punt in the end zone for a safety, ending the half in a 9-9 tie.
ASC shutout the Mavs in the third quarter while taking a 19-9 lead. MSC's first possession in the third quarter had the Grizzlies record their second interception of the day, returning the ball to the MSC 16-yard line. Two plays later the Grizzlies held a 16-9 lead on a 16-yard touchdown reception.
Von Voris' fourth field goal of the day (40 yards) pushed the lead to 19-9 late in the third quarter. The teams traded possessions in the fourth quarter before Michael Sweeney's 37-yard field goal with 1:28 in regulation pulled the Mavs to within 12-19. MSC's onside kick was recovered by ASC on the Mavs 46-yard line. With a defensive stand the Mavericks had one last shot with 18 seconds remaining. After a completed pass on first down, MSC failed to connect on the next three passing plays as time expired.
The loss drops the Mavs (5-4, 5-2) out of contention for an RMAC title. MSC will travel to Chadron State next Saturday and wrap up the 2009 season at home versus University of Neb.-Kearney. UNK and Colorado School Mines are tied for first place with identical 7-0 records. MSC is one game ahead of Chadron (4-3) and with two wins could finish second.
Box Score
