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Skyhawks football vs. South Dakota Mines
Kaitlyn Silva
Cooper Payne (35) celebrates a huge tackle on special teams against the Hardrockers on Ray Dennison Memorial Field (Oct. 3, 2026)

Skyhawks face Mavericks in Senior Day, Nike N7, and 2026 home finale

11/6/2026 10:00:00 AM

By: Hayden Mangan, Assistant AD-Communications & Fan Engagement
DURANGO, Colo. – Fort Lewis football (2-6, 1-6 RMAC) is scheduled to host Colorado Mesa University (5-4, 4-3 RMAC) for a high-noon kickoff on Ray Dennison Memorial Field Saturday, Nov. 7, in another Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) contest and the Skyhawks' annual Senior Day and Nike N7 game, presented by SkyUte Resort & Casino and Morehart Murphy Regional Auto Center.
 
Game Details
Fort Lewis (2-6, 1-6 RMAC) vs. Colorado Mesa (5-4, 4-3 RMAC)
Saturday, Nov. 7, 12 p.m.
Durango, Colo. – Ray Dennison Memorial Field
RMAC Network | Live Stats | Tickets
 
Tailgate Freebies
Fans are encouraged to tailgate in the Art Lot starting at 10 a.m., two hours before kickoff. Steamworks Brewing Company will provide free drinks for patrons at the pregame tailgate. In addition, hot dogs will be available for purchase, and a mobile TV will stream NCAA Division I college games before kickoff.
 
Nike N7
Since its creation in 2009, the Nike N7 Fund has awarded over $15.2 million in grants to over 324 Native American and Aboriginal communities and organizations, reaching more than 500,000 youths. The N7 Fund supports organizations that provide sports and physical activity programming to youth in these communities. The Skyhawks will recognize their indigenous student-athletes during the game, in addition to other festivities in coordination with campus groups.
 
Senior Sendoff
Fort Lewis will honor 18 seniors on Saturday, including linebacker Samuel Ballas, linebacker Collin Doucette, linebacker Aaron Francis, safety Elijah Portela, safety Khalil Ali, center Eli Barta, cornerback Matthew Fernandez, cornerback Ethan Tinsley, offensive lineman Ashton McKinlay, defensive end Walter Stauffer, nose guard Dorrian Hilliard, offensive lineman Pierce Jefferson, long snapper Joseph Goodfox Jr., quarterback Sam Jones, kicker Kuba Betlinski, wide receiver Joseph Najarro, student assistant coach Thomas Bearden, and Director of Football Operations Holden Hill.
 
Last Time Out
The Skyhawks will look to bounce back from the comforts of their home field, the only natural grass surface in the conference, after suffering a 34-3 loss on the road at Chadron State College (4-5, 3-4 RMAC) last weekend. The Skyhawks produced 220 yards of offense, 199 yards of which came through the air, paced by a 13-of-26 passing effort from Jacob Morris, who put 109 yards in his first return since early September. Lucas Schmitten supplied Fort Lewis' three points with a 44-yard field goal in the opening quarter, with his second attempt from 34 yards being blocked. Elijah Portela recorded the Skyhawks' only takeaway with his second interception of the season. Michael Delap had. Game-high six tackles, including two tackles for loss and a four-yard sack. Solomon Latimer had 49 yards on five catches, and KhaVontae Paul had 10 yards on four carries.
 
Rumbling Mavericks
Colorado Mesa, led by fifth-year head coach Miles Kochevar, are riding high heading into Saturday's contest, fresh off back-to-back wins over New Mexico Highlands University (3-6, 1-6 RMAC), 59-46, and Adams State University (0-9, 0-6 RMAC), 59-12. CMU's biggest win of the season, however, came back on Sept. 12, when the Mavericks defeated South Dakota Mines (5-4, 3-4 RMAC), 30-24 in overtime, amidst the Hardrockers 5-1 start to the season.
 
The Mavericks boast the league's third-highest scoring offense at 33.1 points on a fifth-best 383.3 yards per game, while boasting the seventh-best scoring defense at 28.9 points on 406.0 yards per game. CMU runs a balanced offense, averaging 198.9 yards rushing and 184.4 yards passing. The Mavericks have scored 19 rushing touchdowns and 17 passing touchdowns.
 
Fifth-year quarterback Cole Hansen has been the go-to from the pocket in recent weeks, with the six-foot-four gunslinger boasting 67 completions in 125 attempts (53.6 percent) for 882 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. Secondary quarterback Liu Aumavae has thrown for 73 completions in 130 attempts (56.2 percent) for 759 yards, seven touchdowns, and another two interceptions.
 
Nine different Mavericks have hauled in touchdowns, but none more than senior wide receiver Trek Keyworth's five scores and team-high 429 yards on 25 catches. Sophomore receiver Bryson Brown is close behind with four touchdowns and 286 yards on 21 receptions. On the ground, junior running back Bronco Hartson paces the team with 433 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 107 carries.
 
Looking Ahead
Fort Lewis will cap the 2026 regular season on the road with a rivalry game as the Skyhawks face the Grizzlies of Adams State University in the Clash for the Pass! on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. on Rex Field in Alamosa, Colo.
 
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