The Chadron State College football team came closer than probably expected on Saturday when it played nationally ranked No. 4 Colorado School of Mines in Chadron. The Orediggers won the defensive battle 13-12.
Each team scored a touchdown and kicked two field goals, but the Orediggers also kicked the extra point following their touchdown while the Eagles, who scored first, went for a two-point conversion and failed. The pass that was thrown during the razzle-dazzle play went over the head of the intended receiver.
The Eagles also had a 29-yard field goal attempt late in the first quarter bound off the right upright of the goal posts.
Chadron State Coach Jay Long praised his defense for a job well done and also was happy with the way true freshman quarterback Wyatt Sprague of Holyoke, Colo., played. Sprague completed 16 of 25 passes for 144 yards and threw for the touchdown during the game’s opening drive. He also was CSC’s leading rusher with 46 yards, even after the 25 yards lost from three sacks were deducted.
Colorado Mines was the NCAA Division II runner-up each of the past two years and scored 72 points in its first two games this fall while defeating West Texas A&M and Washburn of Kansas.
The Eagles will visit Colorado Mesa in Grand Junction this coming Saturday. Like Chadron State, the Mavericks are 1-2 after losing to Colorado State-Pueblo 38-14 on Saturday.
