GRAND JUNCTION - The east bleachers were filled with students and fans all wearing black t-shirts at Stocker Stadium as the Mesa State Mavericks defeated their arch rival Western State 29-19 on Thursday night in front of a national audience.

CBS-College Sports Network televised the rivalry game live from Stocker to subscribers all across the country.

Mesa trailed 7-0 at the end of the first quarter but put together a scoring drive on a shortened field thanks to a diving interception at the line of scrimmage by defensive lineman Tony Kelly. Moments later running back Bobby Coy spun past a defender for a ten yard touchdown that tied the game at seven.

Mesa extended their lead after a blocked punt was returned by Derek Thorne for a touchdown to make it 14-7.

Western State got a pair of rushing touchdowns from Nathan Acrey to boost the Mountaineers ahead of Mesa 19-14. Both PAT's were unsuccessful.

Bobby Coy rushed for another touchdown in the third and quarterback Phil Vigil rushed for a score in the fourth. Vigil's touchdown was set up by two critical third down conversions. The second of the two came when Vigil connected with Griffin Chernoff for a 33 yard gain on 3rd and 12.

The Mavs improve to 6-2 overall, 6-0 in the RMAC with the win. Their next game is on Saturday, October 25 at Adams State College. The Mavs cap off the regular season on Saturday, November 1 against conference co-leader Chadron State at Stocker Stadium.