Football Pushes Past New Mexico Highlands, 24-20

Rachel Heaton
The Paw Print

The Adams State Grizzlies football team brought home another win this past weekend, as they took down the New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) Cowboys 24-20 in Las Vegas, NM. The Grizzlies advance to 5-2 on the season.
The Cowboys struck first in the contest, when they found the end zone on a 38 yard reception. The Grizzlies answered later in the first quarter after an interception by senior linebacker Vince Coach set the Grizzlies up on the NMHU 34 yard line. A few plays later, the Grizzlies scored on a three yard rush by junior quarterback Justin Juda. Sophomore Garret Visser was successful on the point after, his first of three successful PATs on the night.
Highlands scored again in the second quarter on a 37 yard touchdown reception, but Adams State was quick to answer again. With just under a minute remaining in the half, freshman quarterback Auston Hillman connected with freshman Phil Romero for 22 yards and the touchdown. The teams entered the half tied 14-14.
The Cowboys scored again early in the third quarter when they recovered an ASU fumble in their own end zone. However, they were unsuccessful on the point after.
On their next drive, some fancy play calling for the Grizzlies edged them ahead, and they would stay in the lead for the rest of the contest. A 49 yard kick return by freshman Jabari Ray Garvin and a 23 yard reception from sophomore Brady Conner set ASU up in scoring position. Then, after catching a backwards pass, junior running back Stephen Algiene threw the ball 21 yards to find sophomore Taylor Schmidt in the end zone.
Later in the third, the Cowboys fumbled on a punt return and the ball was recovered by senior Nathan Wiggins on the seven yard line. Unable to get the touchdown, ASU settled for a 23 yard field goal from Visser, his first of the season. Highlands was unable to comeback, as the Grizzly defense shut them down for the rest of the night.
Penalties seemed to be a difference maker in the game, as the Cowboys racked up 15 penalties for 144 yards.
Hillman threw for 276 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Schmidt led the ASU receivers with 116 yards on 7 receptions. Romero had 45 yards on 3 catches and junior J.R. Watters added 42 yards on 2 catches. On the ground, junior Justin Kauffman had 56 yards on 17 carries.
The ASU defense registered four sacks on Saturday. Senior Dylan Flannery had two sacks, while seniors Valentino Dressler and Delano Cook each recorded a sack. Flannery had 6 solo tackles and Cook had three solo tackles.
This weekend, the Grizzlies return home to face the (2-4) Western New Mexico Mustangs. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Rex Stadium. Fans who cannot make it out to the game can listen on KSPK radio.