By Jordan Long
The Colorado Mesa University Mavericks football team ended the regular season beating Azusa Pacific University 33-24. The Mavericks finished the season at 9-2 overall and 8-2 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play. Let’s take a look back at their season.
Mesa began the 2016 season on the road at Western State Colorado University. They scored in every quarter winning the game 34-14. Next up was Chadron State College. They knocked them off 47-33.
Colorado School of Mines was waiting for them in the third week of the season. When these schools play each other it seems to always come down to who has the ball last. This was no different. It took overtime and Mesa won a shootout 41-40.
One of the best football teams in the RMAC was waiting for them, CSU-Pueblo. If Mesa wanted to win the RMAC or even be a playoff team, this was a must win. With Mesa clinging to a one-point lead with 48 seconds left, CSU Pueblo blocked a Mesa punt and started at the CMU 40 yard line. All they needed was a field goal and they would win the game. They moved the ball to the 1-yard line and tried two quarterback sneaks but the Mavs defense held as the clock ran out for a 20-19 victory.
The Mavs would go on a two game skid, losing to both Black Hills State University and Dixie State University. Mesa needed to win out in hopes of claiming the RMAC title and a shot at the Division II playoffs. They beat Adams State University 63-42 and then drummed New Mexico Highlands 87-14.
The last RMAC game of the year was against South Dakota School of Mines on November 5th. If Mesa won, they would earn a share of the RMAC title. They took care of business with a 48-38 triumph. Mesa was now RMAC Football champions. Even though they were conference champions, it didn’t guarantee them a spot in the Division II playoffs.
Azusa Pacific came to Grand Junction with a lot at stake for the last game of the year on Saturday. It was a nonconference game. The winner was most likely headed to the Division II playoffs. The loser would have to wait and see if they earned a spot. This was a back and fourth game. Heading into the 4th quarter Mesa was down 24-23. Mesa outscored Azusa Pacific 10-0 in the 4th quarter to prevail 33-24.
Next, Mesa played the waiting game to see if they would be in the Division II playoffs. They thought their resume was good enough. On Sunday, the Division II committee decided their body of work was worthy of a playoff spot. This is their first postseason appearance since 2007. They will take on #8 Texas A&M Commerce in Commerce, Texas this up coming Saturday.
Colorado Mesa’s season was exciting. The coaching staff and players must be proud of what they accomplished, even if they lose in the playoffs. This was a year they will never forget. It put Colorado Mesa back on the Division II football map.
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