Rachel Heaton
The Paw Print
The Adams State football team improved to 6-2 after taking down the Western New Mexico Cowboys on Saturday by a final score of 41-20. With only three games remaining in the 2013 season, Saturday’s victory guarantees the Grizzlies another winning season.
The Cowboys got on the board first, courtesy of a 27 yard field goal, their first of two field goals in the first half which would prove to be their only scoring plays in the half.
ASU put up 21 points on three consecutive drives in the first half and held onto their lead for the rest of the contest. The first touchdown came on a sixteen yard run from junior quarterback Justin Juda to cap a 22-play, 83-yard drive. Freshman Logan Beck was successful on the point after attempt and was 5-6 on PATs in the contest.
The Grizzlies scored again on their next drive when freshman quarterback Auston Hillman ran 95 yards down the left sideline to find the end zone. The Grizzly defense forced Western New Mexico to go three-and-out and the ASU offense was able to come on and add to their lead. Hillman connected with senior Chris Jamison for 60 yards and a touchdown, allowing the Grizzlies to head into halftime with a 21-6 advantage.
ASU seemed to have no trouble finding the end zone, as they recorded three more touchdowns in the second half. The first score of the second half, and the only defensive score of the game, came midway through the third quarter on a twelve yard pick 6 by junior Cariel Brooks. Later in that quarter, freshman Jabari Ray Garvin scampered in from three yards out to push the Grizzlies further ahead.
ASU’s final scoring play of the game came early in the fourth quarter on a 10 yard reception by freshman Phil Romero. This gave the Grizzlies a 41-6 lead.
Western New Mexico kept fighting, putting up two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but were unable to overcome the Grizzlies drastic lead.
The Grizzly offense finished with 486 yards of total offense. Hillman threw for 179 yards, connecting with several members of his receiving corps while also making effective use of the ASU running game.
The ASU defense recorded four sacks, one each by seniors Taylor Mouser and Delano Cook, junior Tyrone Banks, and sophomore Daniel Paponetti. Brooks had seven solo tackles to go along with his interception for a touchdown.
Sophomore punter Evan Dick was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) player of the week following his performance in Saturday’s game. Dick punted nine times against the Cowboys, averaging 52.2 yards per punt.
This coming weekend, the Grizzlies travel to Durango, Colo. to take on the Fort Lewis Skyhawks in the Musket Game. The Skyhawks enter the contest at 3-5 overall this season. The game is set to kickoff at 1 p.m. Fans who cannot make the trip to Durango can listen live on KSPK radio.
What’s Been Said…