First-Year Growing Pains Continue For Hargrave And Staff

It is often said that there are many bumps on the road to success.  If so, Mesa is on it's way to a smashing success in 2010. 

The bumpy road continued Saturday night, October 3 at Riggs Stadium with another lopsided home loss, this time at the hands of the #9 Snow Badgers, 44-0.

Jumping out to a 13-0 lead after one quarter behind the strong arm of Quinn Mecham and legs of Tyson Church, Snow was never challenged.  Church would lead the Badgers in rushing on the night, with 93 yards on 15 carries.  Mecham was 17 of 29 for 277 yards, two TD's, one INT. 

For Mesa, Taylor Perkins was effective when he had time to throw.  He finished 15 of 28 for 174 yards.  He spent most of his time running from the Snow defense, getting sacked six times on the night. 

A lack of a running attack really hurt Mesa, as the offense was forced to throw time and again to a salivating Snow secondary.  Mesa gained negative yards rushing.  They also only convered two of 14 third-downs on the night. 

Mike Nielson led the Thunderbirds in receiving with five catches for 73 yards.  Tim Bell and Alex Rogers were busy all night returning kickoffs. 

Al Savea had a monster night with eight tackes and a sack.  Daniel Thomas continued his defensive presence, notching two sacks on the night.  Tito Gonzalez was a big contributor again defensively.  Jordan Young picked off his second ball of the season for the T'birds.  Isaac Okoye forced a fumble. 

Zach Richards got plenty of punt attempts to add to his league-leading punting average.  His eight punts tallied 305 yards, for a 38.1-yard average. 

Mazi Ogbonna caught five balls for the Badgers for 113 yards. 

Mesa's homestand continues this Saturday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. at John D Riggs Stadium in a rematch against Eastern Arizona.