Story by
Tahlequah Daily Press, Okla.
RiverHawks head to Rolla looking for revenge after last year's loss to Miners
- Story byTahlequah Daily Press, Okla.
- RiverHawks head to Rolla looking for revenge after last year's loss to Miners
It is only the second game of the season, but Northeastern State University football has a point to prove.
No. 18 NSU hits the road for the first time to take on Missouri S&T on Saturday, Sept. 5. The RiverHawks are looking for revenge after losing to the Miners at home last season.
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In the third quarter, the RiverHawks took a 21-10 lead before losing it and the game in the fourth quarter 27-24.
The game ended on a 43-yard walk-off field goal.
"That game is very personal," sophomore wide receiver Cam Jackson said. "Our coaches and our players feel like we should have won that game last year, so we're looking to get our win back."
After starting the season with a Week 0 win, the RiverHawks are looking to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2002 when they hit the road to Rolla, Missouri. The RiverHawks took the season opener 52-0 over Delta State.
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Offensively, NSU had a well-rounded attack with quarterback Donnie Smith throwing for 319 yards. The rushing staff also pitched in for 200 yards on the ground with four runners to record over 40 yards.
The defense started the season in a dominant way, only allowing 69 total yards of offense.
"We have to keep playing good football," NSU head coach Darrin Chiaverini said. "We have to run the ball and offense and stop their run on defense. We have good playmakers."
Last season, Smith went 16-for-25 for 184 yards. Ramon McKinney Jr. accounted for 186 of NSU's 202 yards and one score; Jackson rushed in the other offensive touchdown.
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On defense, the RiverHawks had four interceptions, highlighted by a Michael Esparza 100-yard touchdown run.
The RiverHawks and Miners kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. Saturday's game marks the season opener for the Miners.
"Missouri S&T beat us last year, and they have a good staff, good players again this year," Chiaverini said. "We have to play better football this year: we didn't play well against them last year."
