Rachel Heaton
The Paw Print
am fell to the Fort Lewis Skyhawks on Saturday in Durango, CO. The Grizzlies scored 17 unanswered points in the third quarter, but the Skyhawks managed to edge ahead and claim the victory on a final-play field goal.
In the first quarter, Fort Lewis outscored the Grizzlies 10-0, with their points coming on a 41 yard field goal and a five yard touchdown run. Neither team scored in the second quarter.
Adams State came out strong in the second half, scoring three times in the third quarter while holding Fort Lewis scoreless. ASU’s first score came on their first drive of the quarter when freshman quarterback Auston Hillman connected with freshman Phil Romero in the end zone from 11 yards out. Freshman Logan Beck was successful on the point after attempt, his first of three successful PATs.
Freshman John Flowers cut Fort Lewis’s next drive short on an interception. The Grizzlies offense took over and came up with a 22 yard field goal by Logan Beck a few plays later. With just under four minutes remaining in the quarter, Adams State found the end zone again, this time on a 17 yard pass from Hillman to junior Denzel McCullum. This put ASU ahead 17-10.
Fort Lewis answered back, however, putting up two field goals, from 35 and 27 yards out, early in the fourth quarter. They also added a 45 yard rushing touchdown and a successful two point conversion to regain their lead, 24-17.
Adams State tied it up with 38 seconds remaining in the contest on a 15 yard reception by sophomore Taylor Schmidt.
However, the game would not go into overtime. A questionable penalty was called on the Grizzlies’ defense after time had expired. Since a game cannot end on a defensive penalty, the Skyhawks were awarded one untimed play. Fort Lewis was able to kick a 24 yard field goal, giving themselves a 27-24 advantage and the victory.
In the contest, the Grizzlies put up more total offensive yards than the Skyhawks, totaling 379 yards compared to Fort Lewis’s 275 yards. Hillman threw for 155 yards and three touchdowns. McCullum led the Grizzly receiving corps, totaling 76 yards on 6 receptions. Senior Junior Drew Edwards added 4 receptions for 44 yards. Justin Kauffman led ASU on the ground, racking up 50 yards in 9 carries. Freshman Nick Diercks recorded 42 yards on 10 carries.
Defensively, the Grizzlies came away with two interceptions, one by Flowers and one by senior Eddie Stanley. Seniors Dylan Flannery, Taylor Mouser, and Valentino Dressler each added a sack a piece.
The Grizzlies return home this weekend for their final home contest of the season. They take on the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m. The Orediggers are 6-3 overall this season and 5-2 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play. Saturday’s contest will also be senior day, honoring the Grizzly football seniors for their contributions over the years. Fans who cannot make it out to Rex Field can tune in on KSPK radio.
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