LAS VEGAS, N.M. --- The New Mexico Highlands football team had its three-game win streak snapped as it fell to South Dakota Mines 40-17 on Saturday at Sanchez Family Stadium.
The Cowboys (4-6 overall, 4-5 RMAC) fell behind the Hardrockers (6-4, 4-4) 37-10 by halftime. A big key was losing quarterback Ramone Atkins - the NCAA Division II leader in total offense - in the first quarter.
NMHU outgained Mines 391-361 in the game, but three turnovers by the Cowboys hurt the NMHU effort.
Ayden Bartko finished 12-for-32 passing for NMHU coming in for Atkins (who passed for four yards, threw an interception and rushed for 50 yards before leaving the game), throwing for 181 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Kamari Mosby led NMHU in rushing with 112 yards on the ground while Quavon Beckford had a team-best nine catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns.
Malik Brown had a team-best eight tackles for the Cowboys while Brendon Luper had six tackles (1.5 for a loss) and an interception.
NMHU finishes the season at in-state foe Western New Mexico noon Saturday in Silver City.
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