GOODWELL, Okla. – Mayville State Comet football battled through another challenging road contest Saturday afternoon, but the Comets were unable to overcome a strong rushing attack from Oklahoma Panhandle State, falling 30-17 at Anchor D Stadium.

Mayville State, which opened the season with a 29-22 victory over Briar Cliff, moved to 1-1 on the season with the loss.

Oklahoma Panhandle State established control early, scoring on its opening possession to take a 7-0 lead. The Aggies added a 42-yard field goal later in the opening quarter before an 84-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter pushed the advantage to 16-0.

The Comets answered coming out of halftime.

Mayville State put together an 11-play, 78-yard scoring drive that consumed more than six minutes. Quarterback Matt Donovan connected with Darnell Green for a 31-yard touchdown, with Green adding the successful two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 16-8.

Oklahoma Panhandle State responded with another big rushing play, however, as the Aggies broke free for a 58-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter. The Aggies added another touchdown early in the fourth to extend their lead to 30-8.

The Comets continued to fight until the final whistle. Mayville State's defense recorded a safety with just over five minutes remaining, and the offense followed with a late touchdown when Seven Thomas found Cameron Spaeth for a 31-yard score with 42 seconds remaining.

Mayville State finished the afternoon with 346 yards of total offense, including 214 passing yards and 132 rushing yards. The Comets also held an advantage in first downs, 18-16.

Donovan completed 10 of 16 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown while also leading the Comets in rushing with 43 yards. Seven Thomas added 75 passing yards and a touchdown in relief.

Spaeth led the Comets through the air with three receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown, while Green finished with three catches for 47 yards and a score. Kelby Azure added three receptions for 40 yards.

On the ground, Payton McGregor carried eight times for 34 yards, while Jack Simmers added 22 yards on just two carries.

Defensively, Mantana Jorgenson led Mayville State with six tackles and two tackles for loss. Rashawn Thomas and DeAnthony Thompson each recorded five tackles.

The Comets will return to Jerome Berg Field for their home opener as they host the University of Minnesota Morris on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 1 p.m.

For full schedule details visit: https://msucomets.com/sports/football/schedule