Chadron, Nebraska - The Cowboys jumped out to an early lead on Saturday afternoon at Chadron State but couldn't hang on as they fell 37-20. NMHU is 3-3 overall and 1-3 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play while the Eagles improve to 5-2 overall and 5-0 in the conference.
Jeffery Jones returned to the line-up on Saturday and immediately made his presence felt as he scored on a 74 yard touchdown run on the second play of the game to put the Cowboys up early.
Two possessions later Jones scored on a 66 yard run to give NMHU a 14-3 lead late in the opening quarter.
The host Eagles then ran off 19 unanswered points to take the lead 22-14 at halftime.
Jones opened the scoring in the second half as he hit pay dirt for the third time on Saturday by way of a six yard run. The Cowboys attempted a two point conversion that failed and the Chadron State lead was 22-20 late in the third quarter.
15 unanswered fourth quarter points by the Eagles provided the margin of victory.
Jeffery Jones surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in the first quarter of Saturday's game, becoming the first Cowboy to reach that mark since Dione Alston in 2018.
Jones rushed the ball 13 times for 159 yards (12.2 yards per carry) and three touchdowns.
Tevita Valeti added 60 yards on 14 carries.
Collin Stucki was eight of eleven for 107 passing yards.
Chadron State out gained the Cowboys 420 to 365.
The Cowboys return home next Saturday for a game with Colorado Mesa. Kick-off is set for 1:00 pm.
