As the Northeastern State University football team prepares for its second game of the season, the RiverHawks are eager to demonstrate their growth and resilience. Ranked No. 18, NSU will travel to Rolla, Missouri, to face the Missouri S&T Miners on Saturday, September 5, in a matchup that carries significant emotional weight following last year's heartbreaking defeat.
In their previous encounter, the RiverHawks held a commanding 21-10 lead in the third quarter, only to see it slip away in the final moments, resulting in a 27-24 loss. The game concluded dramatically with a 43-yard walk-off field goal from the Miners, leaving NSU with a bitter taste and a strong desire for retribution.
“That game is very personal,” said sophomore wide receiver Cam Jackson, reflecting on the team's motivation heading into this clash. “Our coaches and our players feel like we should have won that game last year, so we’re looking to get our win back.”
Having started the season on a high note with a resounding 52-0 victory over Delta State, the RiverHawks are aiming for a 2-0 start for the first time since 2002. The offensive performance against Delta State showcased a balanced attack, with quarterback Donnie Smith throwing for an impressive 319 yards. The ground game also contributed significantly, amassing 200 rushing yards, with four players each gaining over 40 yards.
Defensively, the RiverHawks set a strong tone for the season by allowing a mere 69 total yards of offense in their opener. Coach Darrin Chiaverini emphasized the importance of maintaining this level of performance, stating, “We have to keep playing good football. We have to run the ball on offense and stop their run on defense. We have good playmakers.”
In last year’s matchup, Smith completed 16 of 25 passes for 184 yards, while running back Ramon McKinney Jr. was pivotal, accounting for 186 of NSU’s 202 total yards alongside one touchdown. Jackson also contributed by scoring a rushing touchdown, highlighting the team’s offensive capabilities.
The RiverHawks' defense was particularly impressive last season, recording four interceptions, including a remarkable 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by Michael Esparza. This year, the team will look to replicate that defensive prowess against a Miners squad that is also looking to make a strong start, as Saturday’s game marks their season opener.
“Missouri S&T beat us last year, and they have a good staff, good players again this year,” Chiaverini noted, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “We have to play better football this year: we didn’t play well against them last year.”
Kickoff for the highly anticipated rematch is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, as the RiverHawks aim to turn the tide in their favor against the Miners.
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