The seniors of the Mavericks weren't just looking to say goodbye to Stocker Stadium Saturday afternoon, they were looking to get the first win at home of the season. With a tough opponent like Adams State coming in, the task wouldn't be easy. But with the strong defense of the Mavs leading the way, CMU was able to hold on and beat the Grizzlies 20-13.

“We really came to play today,” Trent deBraga said. “This was the senior's last game at home. We gave up a lot of yards, but that didn't matter. We came out and stopped them when it did matter.”

The Mavs started out with a bang, scoring on their first drive. Quarterback Steve Romero hit Austin Rodriguez for a one-yard touchdown pass to put the Mavs up 7-0 early in the game. That would be their only points of the quarter, however.  When the Grizzlies had the ball first and goal at the Maverick one, the Mav defense forced the fumble and Jordan Price recovered it. He returned it all the way for a touchdown, but it was called back when the officials called a  penalty. The Mavs didn't do anything with the ball after that, and the Grizzlies were able to score a go ahead touchdown with under a minute in the half, going up 10-7.

“We knew that we just had to hang in there,” Coach Joe Ramunno said. “I kept telling them that good things will happen.”

The Maverick offense had just 133 yards total, compared to Adams' 152 yards in the first half. Most of the Maverick yards came on that opening drive.

The second half also started slow for the Mavs. The Grizzlies were able to move the ball on their first drive, but stalled and only managed a field goal to put them up 13-7. That would be their last score. Later in the third quarter, Romero hit Zach Adair for a nine yard touchdown to put the Mavericks back up, 14-13.

The fourth quarter was a defensive struggle for both sides. With just 2:04 left and the Mavs up by a point, Grizzlies' quarterback looked for a receiver, but Travis McRae picked it off and returned it for a touchdown to put the Mavs up 20-13. The defense would hold, and the seniors could leave Stocker Stadium with the victory.

“It was really emotional and I am glad we got the win,” Will Halboth said. “It was a real hard fought game and I am happy we came out with the victory.”

The Mavs finished with just 193 total yards, but scored on the opportunities they were given. The third quarter touchdown was set up by a Domonique Lewis interception deep in Grizzly territory. Jake Cimolino led the Mavs with 77 rushing yards, as Halboth was able to tally 30 yards on the ground. Romero ended up 9-of-18 for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly, the Mavs didn't commit any turnovers.

The defense allowed 317 total yards, but stalled the Grizzlies at the end of most drives. After long drives by the Grizzlies, the Mavs forced them to three field goal attempts, blocking one of them. deBraga and Connor Wright led the team with 12 total tackles as Lewis tacked on eight. The defense forced four fumbles, including three interceptions.

“It was a great win because we have a lot of negative people doubting us,” Ramunno said. “We are playing our best ball of the year right now. Our young guys matured a lot and our good football players are getting better and better each week.”

With the win, the Mavs improved to 4-6 overall on the season. They will wrap up the season in Nebraska next Saturday as the face off against Chadron State.

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