When Chad Friehauf quarterbacked Colorado Mines as a junior in 2003, he was really good. All-America good. And the next year, Friehauf won the Harlon Hill Trophy as Division II’s player of the year.
But now Orediggers coach Bob Stitt thinks he has a quarterback just as good, potentially better.
“We have a guy who’s further ahead than Chad Friehauf was as a junior,” Stitt said of Clay Garcia, who has 10 touchdown passes in two games. “(Friehauf) didn’t have the numbers that Clay is putting up right now.”
In two career starts, the 6-foot, 200-pound Garcia has completed 54-of-82 passes for 731 yards.
In the Aug. 28 opener against NCAA Division II No. 10 Washburn, the former Alamosa High School star threw four TDs in a 34-29 loss. He would have had a fifth TD if a receiver wasn’t stripped of the ball in the end zone in the final minute, which prevented the Orediggers from an upset.
Garcia, The Denver Post’s 2006 Gold Helmet Award winner, led Mines to a 52-24 victory the following week, throwing six TD passes at South Dakota Mines and Technology. He is averaging 365.5 passing yards and owns a passer efficiency rating of 176.10.
“We’re excited about our quarterback,” Stitt said. “If we can come around defensively we can play with anybody. I’m excited about where we’re at. With the open week, we got healthy, and if we stay healthy, I think we can make a run at this thing.”
RMAC openers.
After going 7-11 in nonconference play the first three weeks of the season, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference begins league action this weekend. One of the most interesting games is in Las Vegas, N.M., where New Mexico Highlands hosts Mines.
Last year, the two teams combined for 1,001 yards of offense in Golden, with Mines gaining 677 (506 passing).
“Offensively, I hope we can do the same, but defensively, I hope we can shut them down early, unlike last year,” Stitt said. “We’re probably a little better than we were last year offensively, so it could be another (high-scoring affair).”
Mines has won nine of its past 10 games against NMHU, with the Cowboys’ only victory during that span coming in Golden in 2006 (19-16).
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
