Rachel Heaton
The Paw Print
The Adams State Grizzlies took down the Fort Lewis Skyhawks in an interesting musket game at Rex Field on Saturday. The game, which concluded 55-9 in favor of the Grizzlies, saw a record-breaking performance, three defensive touchdowns, several unusual performances, and celebratory musket firings.
Senior Trevor Eggleston (Tucson, Ariz.) needed only three passes in Saturday’s game to break the record and become the Grizzlies’ all-time leader for career pass completions. The pass, which was completed to fellow senior Scott Kellogg (Littleton, Colo.), was Eggleston’s 624th of his career. Eggleston’s completion moves him past former Grizzly quarterback Bobby Saiz, who played for Adams State from 1987-1990 and was a two-time NAIA All-American.
The Skyhawks got out to an early lead on Saturday after capitalizing on a fumble recovery and finding the end zone with 9:15 left in the first quarter.
Adams State answered back quickly, however, when sophomore Connor Stevens (Colorado Springs, Colo.) forced a fumble that was recovered by senior Brent Lush (Tucson, Ariz.). Lush would take the ball 72 yards for a touchdown, his second of the season. A successful point after by senior David Van Voris (Elizabeth, Colo.) tied the score at 7-7.
The Grizzlies would score again on their next possession. Adams State took over after junior Vince Coach (Indianapolis, Ind.) recovered a fumble on the ASU 41 yard line. However, unable to find the end zone, the Grizzlies settled for a Van Voris field goal from 49 yards out.
After forcing the Skyhawks to three-and-out, ASU took over again, and this time, they were able to get in the end zone. An Eggleston pass complete for 19 yards to junior Harry Adjei (San Jose, Calif.) set the Grizzlies up on Fort Lewis’ 8 yard line before sophomore Justin Juda (Lancaster, N.Y.) would come in at quarterback. After two rushing attempts of four yards each, Juda found the end zone for the Grizzlies. A missed PAT put the score at 16-7 with time about to expire for the first quarter.
The Skyhawks’ only other scoring play came early in the second quarter came on a bad snap to Van Voris who recovered the ball in the end zone before being tackled for a safety. Van Voris was hurt on this play and would leave for the remainder of the game. Following his injury, Eggleston was called in to fulfill the Grizzlies’ kicking and punting needs.
Adams State was in the end zone once again on their next possession going 80 yards in 8 plays and concluding with a 1 yard rush by Juda for the touchdown. ASU went for two, but was unsuccessful and kept the score at 22-9.
On their next drive, ASU found the end zone again on a 12 yard rush by redshirt freshman Dominique Mathews, set up by an 11 yard by Juda, to cap a 6-play, 72-yard effort by the offense.
The Grizzlies’ scored one final time before half time when Juda rushed 7 yards into the end zone. Adams State was on top 34-9 moving into the break.
The first score of the second half came from the Grizzly defense. Junior Grant Haggard (Monrovia, Calif.) forced a fumble that was recovered by sophomore Derek Mathiason (Centennial, Colo.) and returned 20 yards for a touchdown. This time, junior defensive lineman Taylor Mouser (Chandler, Ariz.), who was out of the game with a knee injury, came on to attempt the point after. The attempt was good and was the first of three successful attempts by the lineman on the day.
ASU would score once more in the third quarter. Junior quarterback Cody Davies (Bozeman, Mont.) would enter the game and find Kellogg for a 42-yard reception and touchdown, boosting the score up to 48-9.
The Grizzlies’ lone scoring play of the fourth quarter and final scoring play of the drive came on the defensive side of the ball once again. Junior Delano Cook (Carson, Calif.) forced a fumble that was recovered by junior Thomas Newton (Fort Collins, Colo.). Newton took the ball 68 yards for the touchdown, making the final score 55-9.
Following the game, the Grizzlies were presented with the musket that travels with the winning team. As tradition, the seniors on the winning team shoot the musket after the game.
With the win, the Grizzlies improve to 6-3 overall and 4-3 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play. The win also seals the deal on a winning season for ASU, as only two games remain on their schedule.
The Grizzlies racked up 396 yards of total offense while holding Fort Lewis to only 249. Eggleston was 10-21 on the day, while Juda had 32 rushing yards for three touchdowns. Freshman Chaz Butler (Denver, Colo.) led the Grizzlies on the ground, rushing 103 yards and averaging 10 yards per carry. Kellogg led the ASU receivers with 72 yards in 5 receptions.
Next weekend, the Grizzlies travel to Golden, Colo. to take on the 6-3 overall and 4-3 in conference play Colorado School of Mines Orediggers. The action kicks off at noon. The Grizzlies will return home the following weekend for their final contest of the season.
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