Games aren’t getting any easier for the Fort Lewis College football team, which is in the midst of its most difficult stretch of opponents of the season.
After a gut-wrenching 34-28 loss to No. 17 Colorado Mesa at home last weekend, the Skyhawks (1-3) are desperate for their first home win of the season. They will get a chance at noon Saturday on their home field of Ray Dennison Memorial Stadium against now unranked Colorado School of Mines (2-2).
When the Orediggers take the field, they will be led by senior quarterback Justin Dvorak, a sure candidate for the Harlon Hill Trophy awarded to the best player in NCAA Division II. He leads the nation in a litany of passing statistics including yards (1,652), touchdowns (17), completions per game (30.5), points responsible for (114) and total offense per game (421.3).
“He reminds be of when Danny Woodhead was at Chadron State, as in you’re wondering when this guy is ever going to leave,” joked FLC head coach Ed Rifilato. “He’s such a great player, and their receivers and offensive line are tremendous. We have to try to slow down the passing game a bit to have a chance.”
FLC was beat up in the defensive secondary last week in which the Skyhawks blew an 11-point fourth-quarter lead to the Mavericks. The Skyhawks will need young players across the board to step up to stop the Mines offense, which also boasts wide receiver Brody Oliver, whose eight receiving touchdowns lead the nation. He helps the Orediggers boast the best passing team in the country at 422.8 yards per game.
FLC hasn’t been able to slow down Mines in recent years, as the Orediggers have put up at least 48 points in each of the last four meetings. The two schools are tied in the series record at 27-all, but Mines has won nine in a row and 12 of the last 13.
Colorado Mines began the season with a big 57-21 win against previously fifth-ranked CSU-Pueblo. But a double overtime loss at Colorado Mesa (4-0) and a 45-31 setback at Western State (3-1) last week has the Orediggers staring up in the standings.
The Skyhawks can take a page out of Western State’s book and run the football Saturday with running backs Drake Griffin and PJ Hall as well as quarterback Bo Coleman. The Mountaineers gashed Mines for 334 rushing yards and 582 total yards last week, as the RMAC’s leading rusher Austin Ekeler ran for 316 yards and five touchdowns. FLC’s Hall and Griffin rank third and fourth, respectively in the conference in rushing. Hall averages 106.2 yards per game, and Griffin is at 94.8 yards per game.
To slow down the high-tempo Mines offense, FLC must control the clock through its ground game.
“That offense can put up 90-100 plays the way they move,” Rifilato said. “From an offensive standpoint, we’ve got to do what we always do and eat up clock. “
FLC will also need improved play on special teams, as a botched snap on a punt cost the Skyhawks last week’s game, and Joseph Cavale is only 2-of-6 on field goals this year with all four misses being blocks. He’s also 11-of-13 on extra points.
After last week’s collapse, a win Saturday could elevate the Skyhawks’ spirits, especially for the seniors getting one last crack at Dvorak and company.
“Everyone has worked hard this week, and the guys came in knowing there’s nothing you can do and you can’t cry over spilled milk,” Rifilato said. “We have to lace up our shoes and get back out there and work hard. Losses like that always bother people deep inside, but every week is a new task and a new opportunity.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
If you go
Who:
Colorado Mines at Fort Lewis
What:
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference football
When:
Noon Saturday
Where:
Ray Dennison Memorial Field, Fort Lewis College
Listen Live:
KIUP 930 AM, 97.3, 106.3 FM
Twitter:
@jlivi2
More Info:
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for high school students. Children under 13 are free. The weather forecast is partly cloudy with a high of 67 degrees.
