Colorado School of Mines receiver Max McLeod stretches out for a touchdown against Shepherd defensive back Terrell Lindsey , left, and Keyshawn Hailey in the third quarter of the NCAA Division II semifinal football game at Marv Kay Stadium December 10, 2022. Mines won 44-13 to move on to next Saturday’s championship game in Texas. December 10, 2022 at 8:20 p.m.
Behind a stellar defensive effort that produced four takeaways and Mines quarterback John Matocha throwing five touchdowns himself, Mines rolled to a 44-13 victory over Shepherd and spot in next week’s national championship game — a first in program history. “It’s been a crazy ride, especially these last five years,” Armendariz said. “We kept powering through even after we started off 0-2 this year and it’s a real testament to the team. … Last year’s loss made us realize how close we were, so for the five of us that came back, we really believe in the program.”
Colorado School of Mines quarterback John Matocha scrambles on a keeper against Shepherd Rams defenders JT Kouame-Yao and DE Kyle Smith in the first quarter of the NCAA Division II semifinal football game at Marv Kay Stadium December 10, 2022.