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After an exciting 52-30 win over Dixie St. last weekend, the Mavericks were looking to keep that momentum going when they welcomed #11 Nebraska-Kearney to Stocker Stadium on Saturday. Despite a strong effort from the defense in the first half, the Lopers showed us all why they had the nation's best offense, as they won the game 52-10.

“The turnovers ended up killing us,” Coach Joe Ramunno said. “We lifted their score way up. We had a respectable game going and we were playing tough, especially in that first half. But against a good football team, you can't make that many mistakes.”

The game marked the beginning of the Steven Romero era, as the transfer quarterback was made eligible from the NCAA just three days ago. Romero played an impressive game, as he went 7-18 with 78 yards. He also rushed the three times for 10 yards. It was his last attempt that people remembered, as he injured his shoulder and missed the remainder of the game.

“Romero did hurt his shoulder”, Ramunno said. “I kept him out because I don't think it was fair to the young man to keep him going. We didn't want to hurt him even more and we like to protect our student-athletes.”

The Mavs were able to hang the game's first points after a field goal by Caleb Pavy. Kearney was able to take the lead later in the first quarter on an eight-yard passing touchdown from quarterback Jake Spitzlberger. After Spitzlberger ran it in for a score early in the second quarter, the Mavs trailed 14-3.

The first series with Romero for the offense was ran by quarterback Michael Mankoff. On his first pass attempt, he hit running back Jay Knaus for a 36-yard touchdown pass to bring the Mavs back within four points. However, that would be the last time they scored as the Lopers scored two more times before half to make it 28-10.

The second half was all Kearney as they were able to ware down the Mavs. The Lopers had the ball for almost nine minutes longer than the Mavs and were able to put the game away. Spitzlberger finished with 378 passing yards on 21-35 passing and two touchdowns. He also led Kearney with 126 yards rushing on 18 carries. The Lopers outscored the Mavs 24-0 in the second half.

“Too much time on the field for the defense will always be a part of it,” Ramunno said. “The offense just has to find its consistency. We know that we have to be in great shape.”

The Lopers outgained the Mavs 649-269, including, 413 yards through the air. The Mavs also gave up the ball six times, three fumbles lost and three interceptions.

Despite Kearney being #11 in the country, most of the players feel they could still take on the Lopers.

“We try to play everybody like they are the best that we have ever seen,” Connor Wright said. “And they were they best we have seen. They are a great team. I just didn't see a huge difference between them and others. Just because their offensive line is the biggest I think it was just another team.”

For the Mavericks, Mankoff led the team with 121 yards on 9-22 with a touchdown and two interceptions. Jake Cimolino had 46 yards rushing on 20 attempts. Knaus finished with 85 yards receiving on six catches.

With the loss, the Mavs fall to 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in the conference. The team will take their talents on the road next weekend as they will play New Mexico Highland in Las Vegas, N.M. before coming home October 1 for homecoming weekend.

 
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