SPEARFISH - History repeats itself. For the second time in two seasons, the Black Hills State gridmen posted a shutout win over South Dakota School of Mines. The Yellow Jackets capped homecoming week, blanking the Hardrockers 58-0 on Swarm Day on Saturday at Lyle Hare Stadium.

The win marked the first time BHSU had blanked Mines in consecutive games since the 1961-62 seasons.

BHSU scored touchdowns on its first four possessions of the game, building a 28-0 advantage in the opening period.

"Your start in a rival game is so important," Yellow Jacket coach John Scott said. "There was so much energy brought into the stadium. We were able to get out of the chute quick."

Black Hills State struck quickly. It took the Jackets only four plays and one minute and 24 seconds of elapsed time to enter the scoring column. A 1-yard quarterback keeper by freshman Drew Hodgs presented the Stingers with a 6-0 edge.

"We had good balance with the run and pass," Scott said. "The run got us some good plays right away. That got us out to an early lead."

After a three-and-out on the 'Rockers' next series, the Jackets marched 59 yards in nine plays for another score - a 21-yard TD reception by Josh Smith.

Clint Nicholes reached the end zone from two yards out and Matt Minter hauled in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Hodgs, upping the difference to 28-0.

Mines did not record its initial first down of the game until the early minutes of the second period.

James Lemke's 2-yard TD jaunt and a 4-yard touchdown pass from Hodgs to Minter gave the Green and Gold a 41-0 halftime advantage.

"Did I think we'd get out to a lead like that," Scott said. "No, not at all."

"We played horrible football," Mines coach Dan Kratzer said. "They (the Jackets) ran the ball, threw the ball and scored points. We couldn't run the ball, throw the ball or score."

BHSU racked up 546 yards of offense in the game, while limiting Mines to 177 yards.

The Jackets added scoring runs of two and 10 yards by Ryan Palmer and Tanner Tetrault and a 20-yard field goal by Micah Nielsen in the second half to finalize the scoring.

"It was a great reward for our defense," Scott said about the shutout.

"Our defense was able to shut down their running game and force them to go to the air."

Forest Sainsbury, a sophomore linebacker from Camp Crook, accumulated 11 tackles

"Our kickoff coverage was very good. It's good to have all three phases of the game come together."

Hodgs completed 11-of-13 pass attempts for 207 yards. BHSU rushed for 339 yards, led by Tanner Ehrlich and Lemke with 75 and 70, respectively.

"Drew's decision making was very solid," Scott said.

"Early in the season, the game was a blur for him. Now, it is slowing down."

Jason Beilstein, a sophomore quarterback for Mines, converted on 28-of-39 pass attempts for 151 yards. Tony Ostheimer grabbed eight receptions for 30 yards. Mines rushed for 26 yards in 23 attempts. Tom Lunzman led the Mines' defense with 11 tackles.

With the win, BHSU retained possession of the Homestake Trophy in one of the nation's oldest and storied rivalries. Mines holds a 57-52 edge in the all-time series.

"We could come out and play them again tomorrow, and it could be a completely different game," Scott said.

After a loss to Minot State two weeks ago, coach Scott said. "Now we'll find out if we are contenders, pretenders or spoilers." The Jackets improved to 2-1 in the Dakota Athletic Conference and 3-3 overall.

"We're contenders," Scott said. "I'd like to have that up until the end of the season. We have a better idea of who we are and what it takes each week."

Black Hills State hosts Dakota State next Saturday with the Missouri River Shootout Trophy at stake.

Mines (2-4, 0-3 DAC) hosts Jamestown College in conference action Saturday.