James Williams
South Coloradan
The Adams State College Grizzlies defeated the New Mexico Highlands University Cowboys on Saturday night with a final score of 27-7.
The Grizzlies’ defense showed up in a big way, allowing only 216 yards of total offense and forcing two turnovers on the Cowboys’ first four plays from scrimmage. They converted 10 points off of those turnovers. Sophomore linebacker Rocco DeLorenzo recovered a fumble on the second play of the game, and Grizzly kicker David Van Voris continued his solid play this season by knocking through a 26-yard field goal. Two plays later, on the next Cowboy drive, senior linebacker Levi Gallas returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown, providing the only points the Grizzlies would need on the evening to hand the Cowboys their fifth consecutive loss.
The Grizzlies’ offense settled in nicely on the first sustained drive, driving the ball 70 yards down the field on 11 plays from scrimmage. The drive stalled in the red-zone, but Van Voris would convert a 27-yard field goal attempt to put the Grizzlies up 13-0 with 1:38 remaining in the first quarter.
The Cowboys’ first successful drive covered 51 yards over 8 plays, but resulted in a missed 41-yard field goal by kicker Luis Marin. The Grizzlies took control on offense, and very quickly added to their lead, covering 76 yards on only 5 plays, including a 46-yard pass completion to sophomore wide receiver Dustin Bolt from true freshman quarterback Trevor Eggleston. Eggleston came into the game midway through the first quarter, replacing the injured starter Sean McDougal. He then completed a 7-yard touchdown to junior wide receiver Trevor Zott to open up the lead to 20-0.
After a stalled 3-and-out by each team, the Cowboys took over the only possession that led them to points deep in Grizzly territory, and subsequently drove the ball 24 yards for their only points of the game.
The Grizzlies responded on their ensuing offensive possession, cruising down the field with little resistance by the Cowboys yet again. Eggleston hit Bolt for another long completion of 49 yards. A few short-gaining plays later, Eggleston and Bolt connected again for a 6-yard touchdown strike to extend the lead back to 20 points, where it stayed for the rest of the game.
Eggleston converted 13 of 25 passes for 227 yards and a pair of scores. Bolt proved once again to be a reliable target, hauling in six passes for a career-high 161 yards.
Neither team scored in the second half because of penalties and stingy defense play. The Grizzlies were guilty of 14 penalties for 141 yards on the evening, while the Cowboys were hit with 13 penalty flags for a total of 108 yards.
The Grizzlies, now 1-4 on the season, will return home this week for homecoming and attempt to build on this solid victory Saturday afternoon at Rex Field. They will take on the Western New Mexico Mustangs (1-3 overall, 0-3 in the RMAC) with kick-off scheduled for 1 P.M.
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