By Loryn Schuetzle
Raver Staff

Jamie Dale looks for a hole to run through while Tyler Barth and Mark Olson provide the blocks. Photo by Tyler Armbruster/ Raver Staff

Zach Grapentine holds the kickoff for Andy Smith after the Hardrockers’ first touchdown. Photo by Tyler Armbruster/ Raver Staff

Tyler Barth makes the tackle. Photo by Tyler Armbruster/ Raver Staff

The Hardrocker football team is making this year one to remember. The boys are starting out the season with an impressive 3-0 opening record. The team has experience and plain old hard work to thank for their accomplishments.

“The biggest difference from last year’s team to this year’s team is our confidence level,” senior tightend Jason Bilstein said. “We are having good practices and our tempo is upbeat.”

The defense for the Rockers has been strong in years past, scoring more conversion points from defensive plays in the back field. But this year the boys got it figured out and are developing a strong offensive threat.

“We have a new and more mobile offensive line. This gives us the opportunity to explore our offensive options,” Coach Daniel Kratzer said. “Our defense is an experienced group of young players including some young linebackers that are as good as there are in this league!”

The Rockers won their first game against Montana Tech, 25 to 22, with an overtime field goal by Pierre kicker, Andy Smith.

“I was really nervous before I got out on the field, so I had to have faith that everyone else was going to their job,” electrical engineering junior Andy Smith said. “But it was a team win and I can’t take all the credit. Everyone did their job and did great.”

After a three week break, the boys dominated the Dakota State Trojans 41 to 7 for an M Day win. The M Day win was a fun one to watch with the defense dominating DSU.

Then the Rockers rolled over Mayville State in a 48-28 win. Sophomore Jamie Dale rushed over 232 yards and finished with two touchdowns and quarterback Nick Russell passed for three touchdowns.

“Our defense didn’t do their best,” junior Joe Berke said. “But our offense made up for it.”

For the second week in a row, the South Dakota School of Mines football team received votes in the NAIA Football Top 25 Coaches’ Poll. The School of Mines current record is 3-0.

The Rockers travel to Jamestown on Saturday, Oct. 3, for their fourth game.