CMU Mavericks Close Season With Last Second Loss

The CMU Mavericks closed out the season with a 19-17 last-second loss to the Adams State Grizzlies. It was the Mavs third loss this season after leading heading into the fourth quarter.

The Mavericks led for about 50 minutes of the game, but didn't have the lead when it counted most - at the end.

The Mavs jumped out to an early 10-0 lead less than five minutes into the game, scoring a touchdown on their first possession of the game. Senior Jason Haferman hit Austin Rodriguez with a 19 yard touchdown to give the Mavs a 7-0 lead.

On the Grizzlies first possession, Andrew Hurley intercepted a pass to set up a 31  yard field goal by Eli Williams to give the Mavs a 10-0 lead less than five minutes into the game.

The Mavs lead 10-7 going into the fourth quarter before the Grizzlies were able to take their first lead 16-10 with 5:10 to play, following a Mavericks interception. The Mavericks responded with an 8-play 76 yard drive capped by a 32- yard pass from Jason Haferman to Ian Juede to give the Mavs a 17-16 lead with 2:25 to play.

The Grizzlies then drove to the Mavericks 22 yard line to set up Logan Beck's 39 field goal with :05 to play to win the game,and hand the Mavs an extremely disappointing loss.

Senior Jake Edmiston a Palisade High School graduate, had a game high 22 tackles and finished the season with 177 tackles, finishing 4 shy of  the CMU career record of 181.

CMU Head Coach Russ Martin said after the game he was extremely proud of his guys.

"It was disappointing, but our kids kept battling even when we were down in the fourth quarter.They believed we were going to win and kept coming back. Give Adams State credit, but I'm so proud of our young men. We have made great strides, and we just thank every one of those seniors for their commitment to this program."

The Mavericks finish the season at 5-6 overall, and 4-5 in the RMAC.