CHADRON, Neb. – The Colorado Mesa University football team scored 17 unanswered points to defeat Chadron State 23-13 in RMAC play Saturday (Sept. 26). The win was the first for the Mavericks over the Eagles since a 21-14 win on Oct. 11, 2003.

Mesa wasted no time putting points on the scoreboard recovering a Chadron fumble on the opening kickoff in the endzone.

Special teams play was a major theme of the game. The Eagles scored their first touchdown of the day returning a blocked punt 29 yards at 9:13 of the first quarter.

The second quarter featured a pair of field goals by Chadron State who entered halftime with a 13-6 lead.

The Mavericks would tie the game at 13 after marching 87 yards on 11 plays. Sean Rubalcaba completed the drive with a one-yard run.

Blake Nelson forced a fumble that was recovered by Jackson Burell at the Chadron 27-yard line to start Mesa's next scoring drive.

The Mavericks needed just three plays as Sean Rubalcaba ran 15 yards for his second score of the day at 7:38 of the third. Rubalcaba finished the day 6-of-18 for 69 passing yards and rushed for 72 yards.

Blake Nelson would set-up the Mavericks final scoring drive as well by blocking a punt.

The Mavericks would cover 43 yards on nine plays to set-up an 18-yard field goal by Ryan Sheehan.

The Eagles finished with 303 yards of total offense compared to 262 for the Mavericks.

The game was the third this season in which the CMU defense did not allow an offensive touchdown. The defense also forced four fumbles recovering three. Mesa scored 13 of its 23 points off turnovers.

Blake Nelson led the defense with a game-high 11 tackles, including two for a loss of seven yards. He forced one fumble, recovered another and blocked a punt.

DJ Hubbard led the Mavs with 75 yards rushing on 17 carries (4.4 ypc), and Derek Vander Velde caught three passes for a game-high 54 yards.

Colorado Mesa (3-1, 2-0) will host Black Hills State Oct. 3^rd for Parent's Weekend.