ThunderWolves' football season comes to an end in NCAA first round

The Colorado State University-Pueblo football team's season came to an end after falling 45-24 against Colorado School of Mines on Saturday in an NCAA First Round game at Marv Kay Stadium. 

The ThunderWolves totaled 367 yards on offense, and the majority of those yards came in the air as Pack quarterback Hunter Raquet threw 291 yards on 18-of-34 passing. 

Senior wide receiver Max Fine had a career day and racked up 219 receiving yards on seven receptions and two touchdowns. 

The Orediggers got out to a fast start and got on the board during their second possession, scoring on a 60-yard touchdown throw. 

The ThunderWolves responded and got into the red zone off two receptions of 25 and 41 yards from Fine. 

With the ball at the 6-yard line, the ThunderWolves were unable to get into the end zone and settled for a 20-yard field goal by Sullivan Moon. 

On Mines's next possession, they earned four first downs and capped the drive with a 16-yard touchdown pass and a 14-3 lead. 

CSU Pueblo scored their first touchdown in the second quarter on a 3-yard rush by Kiahn Martinez after Mines went ahead by three touchdowns. 

At the half, CSU Pueblo trailed 24-10. 

In the third quarter, the Pack added another touchdown on a short two-yard pass from Raquet to Fine. 

The duo connected again in the fourth quarter when Fine was able to get past the secondary for a 68-yard touchdown reception. 

Defensively, the ThunderWolves were unable to contain the explosive Mines offense for much game. 

Jon Nuschy led the team with eight tackles, including five solo and one pass breakup. 

Daniel Bone and Cory McLellan both finished with seven tackles. 

Momar Fall got his first career interception and ended with six tackles. 

CSU Pueblo ends the season with an 8-4 record. 

This article was submitted to the Chieftain by the CSU Pueblo Athletics department. For stats and additional information from this game, visit gothunderwolves.com.