GRAND JUNCTION - The Mesa State football team knew that one of it's toughest challenges of the season would be in the opening game against ninth ranked West Texas A&M. Unfortunately for the Mavericks the game didn't end the way they had hoped in a 23-20 loss on Thursday night.

The Mavs opened the game with a two yard touchdown run by Bobby Coy on the games first drive to go up 7-0. The touchdown run was set up earlier in the drive by Coy who posted runs of 21 and 23 yards on consecutive plays.

Coy scored his second touchdown of the game in the second quarter from four yards out on a pitch to the left to give Mesa a 14-13 lead at the half.

The Buffaloes two first half touchdowns came on an 11 yard run by Keithon Flemming and a touchdown pass from Keith Null to Charly Martin.

The Buffs took the lead on the opening drive of the second half when Null and Martin hooked up again from 13 yards out to go up 20-14.

Mesa would tie the game in the third quarter when Phil Vigil connected with Maurice Manley from five yards out for the touchdown. The extra point was blocked keeping the game tied at 20.

Coy carried the offensive load for the Mavs with 202 yards rushing on 34 carries to go with his two touchdowns.

Vigil threw for 168 yards and a touchdown on 14-24 passing. Manley led Mesa's receivers with five receptions for 41 yards and a score.