LAS VEGAS, N.M. – New Mexico Highlands scored the go-ahead touchdown with just five seconds left in the fourth quarter to hand the Colorado Mesa Mavericks a 28-22 loss in at Sanchez Family Stadium in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action. The loss snapped an 11-game win streak for the Mavericks over Highlands.
 
The Cowboys used a 10 play, 72-yard drive that chewed up 1:43 for the go-ahead touchdown to make it 26-22. They would also add the final two points on the ensuing kickoff that resulted in a safety when the Mavericks tried the lateral play for a long shot score.
 
New Mexico Highlands built a 10-0 lead midway through the second quarter before the Mavericks got on the board with a 49-yard touchdown run by senior Aiden Taylor. That score cut the lead to 10-7 after the try.
 
Highlands added a field goal right before the break for a 13-7 lead at half.
 
The Cowboys added to their lead coming out of halftime with a 13-play, 80-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown and a 19-7 lead.
 
Colorado Mesa started their comeback with back-to-back drives that resulted in touchdowns. Taylor capped a nine play, 78-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run to make it 19-14.
 
The Mavericks first lead of the game came with just 1:55 left in the fourth quarter after Taylor scored his third touchdown of the game with this one coming from nine yards out. Liu Aumavae found Colton Mills-Younger for a successful two-point conversion to make it 22-19.
 
Colorado Mesa left too much time on the clock which led to the late game drive for Highlands.
 
The Mavericks outgained New Mexico Highlands 373-368 and converted 66 percent of their third downs. They did have two costly turnovers (one interception and one fumble) that led to six New Mexico Highlands points.
 
Taylor finished the game with 167 yards on 21 carries and three touchdowns. He led the team in their 271-yard rushing output with Brandon Belgrave contributing 58 yards on 11 carries.
 
The defense limited the No. 4 rushing attack in Division II to 169 yards and a touchdown. The national leader in rushing yards per game, Jeffery Jones, finished with 60 yards which is 150 yards below is average.
 
George Soppe finished with a game-high nine tackles including one and a half for loss.
 
With the loss, Colorado Mesa fell to 3-4 on the season and 2-3 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference while Highlands improved to 4-3 overall and 2-3 in the conference.
 
The Mavericks will return home next weekend for the annual homecoming game. They are set to take on the Fort Lewis Skyhawks at 2pm at Stocker Stadium. Homecoming festivities are scheduled to begin on Friday that includes the Victory Celebration. Tickets are available by following the link HERE