Robert Felberg hit Nathan Neville on a 5-yard pass reception with 5:04 remaining in regulation for the go-ahead touchdown Saturday night at Stocker Stadium as the Mavericks held off Western State College (1-8, 1-6).
Mesa State defense shut down Western State after the Mountaineers recovered a fumble at the MSC 47, with 2:21 left in the game and the Mavericks hanging on to a five point lead. The defense held WSC to four consecutive incomplete passes, allowing MSC to take over on downs.
MSC (3-5, 3-4) jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first six minutes of the game. Kris Means rushed for 44 yards on the Mavs first offensive play down to the Western State's 12-yard line. Four plays later Will Halboth scored from four yards out for a 7-0 lead.
Western was forced to punt from their own 11-yard line after three plays from scrimmage resulted in a loss of 18 yards. MSC's second drive of the evening started on the WSC 47-yard line. On third and eight from the WSC 45, Michael Mankoff hooked up with Felberg for the touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
On the ensuing possession the Mountaineers from their own 17 completed an 83-yard touchdown pass from Miles Gorham to Dustin Driscoll to pull to within 7-14.
After failed drives by each school the Mavericks Trent deBraga 33-yard punt return to the WSC 28 was moved back following an illegal block. Michael Mankoff went to work at the WSC 44-yard line completing a 34-yard pass to Brennan Belloni at the Mountaineer 10-yard line. Following a pass interference call on WSC, Halboth recorded his second rushing touchdown of the night on a two-yard run and a 21-7 lead with 4:04 left in the first quarter.
After a defensive stop the Mountaineers' punt resulted in a fair catch at the MSC eight-yard line. MSC drove 92 yards in eight plays capped off by a JR Hamm 6-yard touchdown (PAT failed) and a 27-7 lead. The drive included a 38-yard run by Mankoff and 3-for-3 completions.
Western State answered immediately with a 57-yard, three play drive with 12:09 left in the second quarter, closing the gap to 14-27. The teams would close out the first half with MSC holding that lead.
MSC was held scoreless in the third quarter as the Mountaineers scored on their first possession of the third quarter (8:31) and trailed by just six points, 21-27, after a 29-yard touchdown pass.
Western State took their first lead (28-27) of the game with 37 seconds remaining in the third quarter on a 1-yard Miles Gorham rush.
MSC started the fourth quarter throwing an interception the Mountaineers picked off at the MSC 35-yard line. WSC failed to move the ball and a 40-yard field goal attempt was missed.
After failed drives by the Mavs and the Mountaineers, Mesa State took over the ball following a WSC punt at the MSC 35-yard line with 10:03 remaining in the contest. The Mavericks drove 65 yards in 10 plays scoring on a Felberg to Neville touchdown reception and a 33-28 lead.
Mesa State defense held WSC on their final two drives including two fourth down stops (incomplete passes) holding off the Mountaineers for the 33-28 victory.
MSC's balanced attack resulted in 424 total yards (237-rushing, 187 passing) and its second highest point total this season.
Mankoff was 11-for-17 for 166 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Felberg was 3-for-6 with one touchdown and finished with four receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown. Belloni had five catches for 74 yards.
JR Hamm rushed for 60 yards on 13 carries. Domonique Lewis tied for a game high nine tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss yardage and one quarterback hurry. MSC defense held the Mountaineers t 74 yards rushing and held WSC to just 2-14 third down conversions.
MSC will travel to Alamosa for a matchup with Adams State College next Saturday at Noon.
Box Score
