Rachel Heaton
The Paw Print
After remaining tied through the first three quarters of play, the Thunderwolves put up 10 points in the fourth quarter and the Grizzlies, unable to answer back, fell 17-7 against #2 ranked Colorado State University-Pueblo. The loss sets the Grizzlies back to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play.
Both defenses played a stingy first half. Neither team allowed a first down until late in the first quarter. This is when Adams State’s offense showed their first spark, aided by several long runs by quarterback Auston Hillman. Then, a 19-yard reception by Phil Romero set the Grizzlies up in Thunderwolves territory. However, the drive was cut short by an interception from Hillman.
The ASU defense was strong shutting down the potent CSU-Pueblo offense. Derek Mathiason recovered a fumble early in the second quarter, but the Grizzly offense was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
Both teams entered halftime scoreless and it wasn’t until midway through the third quarter that the Thunderwolves broke the tie via a 32-yard touchdown pass.
After missing a field goal attempt on the following drive, Adams State evened the score minutes later courtesy of a 32 yard rush by Addie Brown.
With only one quarter of play remaining, the two teams were tied 7-7. However, the Thunderwolves gained momentum and put up ten more points in the quarter. The Grizzlies offense was hindered by injuries at the quarterback position. Hillman was forced to leave the game part way through the fourth and was replaced by Lamar McKnight. McKnight’s time under center was limited, however, as he left following a hard hit and a targeting penalty.
Tom Ross stepped in for the Grizzlies under center and completed a 13-yard pass to Denzel McCullum in his first play. Unfortunately, he too would leave the game in a similar manner as McKnight on the very next play.
With the trouble at the quarterback position, the ASU offense was unable to gain momentum and could not find the end zone for the rest of the game, causing the Grizzlies to fall 17-7.
ASU’s offense put up 310 total yards on the evening. Brown was responsible for 78 rushing yards on 12 carries and the lone Grizzly score of the contest. Phil Romero led the ASU receiving corps with 58 yard on two receptions.
Defensively, the Grizzlies were led by Wesley Brandon, who totaled 12 tackles. In addition to his fumble recovery, Mathiason logged 9 tackles.
After two weeks on the road, the Grizzlies return home this Saturday for this season’s homecoming contest. ASU plays host to the Eagles of Chadron State College with kickoff slated for 1 p.m. There will also be a tailgate party beginning at 11 p.m. outside the stadium.
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