LIBERTY, Mo. - The William Jewell football team forced three turnovers on Thursday night but dropped the 2022 season opener to Colorado Mesa by a final of 37-14. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The first quarter was all Mavericks as they found the endzone twice and against just minutes inside the second period and break open a 28-0 lead. 
• Jewell got on the board midway through the second frame as Kwesi Hooks intercepted a pass and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown and make it 28-7 at the half. 
• After holding CMU to a field goal on the opening drive of the second half, the Cardinals scored on an eight yard pass from CJ Ward to Keavian Long. 
• The Mavericks added another field goal in the fourth quarter to bring the score to the final. 

KEY STATS

• The Jewell defense forced three turnovers, with Hooks, Sean Mitchell and Ethan Reynolds all grabbing interceptions. 
• Adam Callahan led Jewell with 12 tackles while David Gysbers had 10 and Kian Betancourt, nine. 
• The Cardinals were limited offensively, amassing just 158 yards of total offense. 
• Jewell utilized two quarterbacks as Ward finished with 97 passing yards and a touchdown while Taylor Eggers came off the bench and picked up 27 rushing yards on six carries. 

UP NEXT
Jewell hits the road for the first time in 2022 next Saturday as they travel to Black Hills State.