ST. GEORGE – The Dixie State football team was beaten soundly by the visiting Mavericks of Colorado Mesa 43-3.
“There is nothing to pinpoint as far as where things went wrong,” said DSU head coach Scott Brumfield, now in his sixth year. “We were beaten in every facet of the game. We need to do some quick evaluations and shore up assignments before our quick turnaround with an early game next week.”
The Dixie State offense sputtered early, going three-and-out on its first two series and coughing up the ball on an interception in the third series. The interception proved costly as Tom Saager returned the ball back 38 yards for a pick-six. With 8:33 remaining in the first, CMU led 7-0.
On their fourth series, the Storm got a couple of first downs. But when the drive stalled, the snap sailed over punter Christian Rodriguez’ head for a 35-yard loss, pinning the Dixie defense at its own 12-yard line. Two plays later, Maverick running back D.J. Hubbard barreled in from 3-yards out to give CMU a two-touchdown advantage.
“We just could not get in an offensive flow,” said Dixie wide receiver Nate Stephens. “It may have been inexperience, but we need to find that rhythm. “
The mavericks continued their dominance in the second quarter, scoring two touchdowns early and finishing the half with two consecutive Ryan Sheehan field goals. The touchdowns came on two big plays from Maverick quarterback Sean Rubalcaba. First he found M. Hines for a 61-yard strike at the beginning of the second quarter. The second came when Rubalcaba broke loose for a 45-yard run to score with just under 12 minutes remaining.
The Red Storm finally got on the board just before halftime . Dixie backup quarterback Blake Barney replaced starter Trevor Rea and drove the Red Storm 50 yards to the Maverick 15-yard line, where Alex Giordani booted a 32-yard field goal.
“Trevor (Rea) and I have very different styles,” said Barney. “He is a better passer and I am a better runner. CMU was still playing pass when I got in so I think I was able to take advantage of that.”
Coming out of halftime, the Mavericks scored twice more in the third. The first score came on a 17-yard run by running back Jonathon Beverly with six minutes remaining in the third. Sheehan added another field goal three minutes later to get to the final score 43-3.
The scoreless fourth quarter saw reserves playing for both teams, but with perhaps different purposes. The Mavericks were getting playing time for their reserves while it seemed that DSU was looking for answers.
For the game, CMU outgained Dixie 582 to 287 yards. Individually, Rea completed 13 of 23 passes for 102 yards. Stephens led the team with six receptions for 61 yards. Barney led all rushers with 95 yards on 10 carries. Defensively, Colton Olson led DSU with nine tackles.
The Red Storm do not get much time to prepare for their next game. Dixie hosts GNAC conference rival Central Washington on Thursday. Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Hansen Stadium.
Former Dixie High quarterback Blake Barney (5) heads up field for some yardage for the Red Storm, Dixie State University vs. Colorado Mesa University, Football, St. George, Utah, Sept. 5, 2015, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News Dixie State defender Darchon Taggart (16) breaks up a pass, Dixie State University vs. Colorado Mesa University, Football, St. George, Utah, Sept. 5, 2015, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News Dixie State University vs. Colorado Mesa University, Football, St. George, Utah, Sept. 5, 2015, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News Dixie State quarterback Trevor Rea (14) makes a pass, Dixie State University vs. Colorado Mesa University, Football, St. George, Utah, Sept. 5, 2015, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News Dixie State defender Keanu Foki (44) leaps to block a pass, Dixie State University vs. Colorado Mesa University, Football, St. George, Utah, Sept. 5, 2015, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News Dixie State receiver Damarrio Hammonds fights for some tough yards, Dixie State University vs. Colorado Mesa University, Football, St. George, Utah, Sept. 5, 2015, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News Red Storm receiver Zach Smith (4) finds some open running room, Dixie State University vs. Colorado Mesa University, Football, St. George, Utah, Sept. 5, 2015, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News Dixie State running back Orlando Wallace (9), Dixie State University vs. Colorado Mesa University, Football, St. George, Utah, Sept. 5, 2015, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News Dixie State head coach Scott Brumfield, Dixie State University vs. Colorado Mesa University, Football, St. George, Utah, Sept. 5, 2015, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News Dixie State defenders Colton Olson (12) and Garret Hutnick (25) break up a pass in this file photo from Dixie State University vs. Colorado Mesa University, Football, St. George, Utah, Sept. 5, 2015, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News Dixie State quarterback Blake Barney (5) and offensive coordinator Blaine Monkres discuss strategy, Dixie State University vs. Colorado Mesa University, Football, St. George, Utah, Sept. 5, 2015, | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News
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