GOLDEN, Colorado — For the third consecutive year, the Mines Orediggers will play for a trip to the National Title game. They play Kutztown at Marv Kay Stadium at 1:30 pm on Saturday.
But while they’re thinking about touchdowns and sacks all week, they can’t forget about finals, while trying to get to the final.
“There are bigger things than football,” said star quarterback John Matocha. “I do have to get a degree, but the way I split it up is when I’m out here, I’m 100% committed, just be where your feet are. When I’m playing football I’m playing football. When I’m studying, I’m studying hard. It’s tough when you’re in the playoffs this deep, in these exciting games. Football is always in the back of your mind a little bit.” Matocha is a computer science major when he’s not busy breaking the NCAA’s all-time touchdown record, “The success on the football field is a direct correlation to the success we have academically. It’s just about having that discipline in your life and being able to split it up and still succeed in both.”
Succeeding at Marv Kay Stadium is all the Orediggers know. They haven’t lost at home since September 10th, 2022 against Angelo State in overtime. Saturday’s home game against Kutztown, will be the seniors' last dance in Golden.
“It’s extremely special, especially these last couple of years,” said Matocha. “The support we’ve gotten from the community and alumni and student body has been phenomenal. It’s incredible to be out here and make a big play and hear the crowd go crazy. I’m definitely gonna miss it, but I gotta put on one more good show for ‘em. I gotta put on something crazy!”
Mines Head Coach Pete Sterbick was the offensive coordinator for last year’s team and he remembers what it’s like to play at home in a massive game, “It’s hard to not think about last year’s semifinal game and how overflown and packed it was and we expect that type of crowd again. If we play well, I think we’ll be in good shape. We know what’s in store for us down the road if that happens this weekend but we’re locked in and just want to put on a show.”
The game can be seen on ESPN plus. 9News will postgame coverage throughout the night at 5, 9, and 11 pm after SNL.