Rachel Heaton
The Paw Print
Turnovers and a strong ASU defense defined Adams State’s 26-10 victory over the Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) Aggies on Saturday in Goodwell, Okla. The Grizzlies, who advance to 2-0 with the win, recovered three fumbles and came up with two interceptions in the contest.
The Aggies struck first, in a game marked by lead changes, on their opening drive with a 30 yard field goal. ASU’s offense was slow to warm up, going three-and-out on their first drive and having their second drive cut short by an interception thrown by senior quarterback Cody Davies. Senior linebacker Dylan Flannery came away with an interception at the end of the first quarter but the Grizzlies were unable to capitalize and did not put up points in the first quarter.
Midway through the second quarter, ASU was able to find the end zone courtesy of a one yard rush by junior Michael Carl, set up by a 27 yard run from junior quarterback Justin Juda. Freshman Logan Beck’s point after attempt was blocked, holding ASU to a slight three point lead.
ASU’s defense came up big later in the second quarter as the Aggies made their first of six trips to the red zone. Facing first and goal from the two yard line, Flannery forced and recovered an OPSU fumble and to regain some momentum for ASU, who had botched a red zone chance on the previous drive.
The momentum was short lived; however, as Juda threw an interception only plays later and the Aggies went on to score the touchdown. The Grizzlies regained possession with mere seconds left in the second quarter, so Beck would come on to the field. He was successful on a 53 yard field goal attempt and sent ASU into the half trailing by one.
The second half proved to be stronger for Grizzlies, in which the offensive put up 17 additional points and the defense shut down OPSU’s offense to secure the victory.
Nearing the end of the third quarter, OPSU, once again in the red zone, fumbled. The fumble was recovered by senior Vince Coach who picked it up and ran 80 yards into the end zone for ASU’s second touchdown of the day. This time, Beck’s point after attempt was good. For his efforts, Coach was named this week’s Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Defensive Player of the Week.
The Grizzlies found the end zone for a final time on a 14 yard pass from Davies to junior Justin Kauffman, capping a 12-play, 80-yard drive. Finally, Beck successfully attempted a 33 yard field goal and gave ASU a 16 point lead that the Aggies were unable to combat.
On the day, both Coach and senior Nathan Wiggins logged 9 nine tackles each. Flannery recorded the Grizzlies only sack for the day and also registered 8 total tackles. Flannery and junior Cariel Brooks were responsible for the two interceptions and the team forced OPSU to fumble three times in the red zone.
Offensively, Davies went 14-22, racking up 122 passing yards. Sophomore Taylor Schmidt had six receptions for 61 yards. Juda rushed for 72 yards on seven carries, while freshman Cameron DeChesaro had 63 yards in 12 attempts.
This Saturday, the Grizzlies return home for their first contest of RMAC play, a 6 p.m. start against the Mountaineers from Western State Colorado University. Fans unable to attend the game at Rex Field can tune in on KSPK radio.
What’s Been Said…