DURANGO, CO - September 22, 2007 - The Fort Lewis College football team was defeated 17-3 tonight by the Mavericks of Mesa State College. The Skyhawks drop their third straight falling to 0-3 overall and 0-2 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), while the Mavericks improve to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play.

With 5:06 left in the fourth quarter, starting quarterback Tom Stoffel (Boulder, CO/Fairview) ran for 31-yards for a Skyhawk touchdown to tie the game at 10, but a holding penalty was called on the Skyhawks and the ensuing fourth down attempt fell short for the Skyhawks.

The Mavericks concluded the game with a fourth quarter touchdown as they seeled the victory with a 3-play 18-yard touchdown drive with just over four minutes left in regulation.

The Skyhawks' lone scoring drive of the game came in the second quarter on a six play, 44-yard drive to the Mesa State five yard line. Ryan Ames (Aurora, CO/Regis Jesuit) nailed the 22-yard field goal to bring the Skyhawks within four.

The Skyhawks tallied 179 yards on the night, compared to 307 by the Mavericks. They were 4-of-16 on third down conversions and 1-for-1 on red zone chances.

Stoffel led the Skyhawks running attack with 36-yards on six carries. The junior added 130 yard through the air on 13-of-36 passing. He also threw three interceptions.

Three Skyhawks recorded three catches to lead the receiving corps, while Ames tallied a team-high 51 yards receiving.

Justin Cuttbirth (Fontana, CA/Chaffey CC) and Mark Meng (Lake Arrowhead, CA/Chaffey CC) led the Skyhawks' defense with 13 tackles a peice. Both also added 2.5 tackles for loss.

Fort Lewis returns to action Saturday, September 29th in Gunnison at 1:00 p.m. against Western State.

Box Score