Rachel Heaton
The Paw Print
The Adams State Grizzlies football team secured another win in a close contest on Saturday night against the Western State Colorado University (WSCU) Mountaineers, pushing themselves to a 3-0 start this season. The 16-14 win is the narrowest margin of victory for the Grizzlies thus far. With the victory, ASU also captured the Colorado Classic trophy, a trophy that travels between the two teams, for a record twelfth year in a row.
Western drew first blood with their running game, which would be potent all night, and put up a quick 7-0 lead on the first drive of the game. ASU was unable to answer back until late in the first quarter when the Mountaineer’s quarterback fumbled after being sacked by seniors Connor Stevens and Valentino Dressler. Stevens grabbed the ball and returned it 23 yards for a Grizzlies touchdown. Freshman Logan Beck was successful on the point after.
ASU added some cushion to their lead midway through the second quarter with a 45-yard field goal from Beck, and would enter the half clutching onto a 10-7 lead.
Western scored their second and final touchdown of the night, following a controversial call for the Grizzlies. With freshman Auston Hillman under center, ASU marched down the field to the WSCU 5 yard line. Freshman Cameron DeChesaro appeared to then pick up the final few yards for the touchdown, but was called short of the goal line by only inches. DeChesaro fumbled on the following play and the Mountaineers recovered and went on to score the touchdown a few plays later.
Adams State answered back later in the fourth quarter, and the Grizzly offense put up their first score of the contest, courtesy of a two yard rush and leap into the end zone by junior Michael Carl. An unsuccessful point after attempt by Beck left the score at 16-14 and the Grizzlies ran down the clock, holding onto their narrow victory.
The Grizzly defense had another strong showing this week and helped ASU come out on top. Stevens and senior Dylan Flannery each recorded 8 tackles and both forced and recovered a fumble. Flannery also registered a sack. Senior Vince Coach tacked on 7 more tackles and sophomore Daniel Paponetti added 6 tackles and a sack.
On the offensive side, DeChesaro racked up 69 rushing yards on 17 carries. Carl had 31 yards and one touchdown in 8 attempts. Senior quarterback Cody Davies went 8-15, throwing for 115 yards and also put up 30 rushing yards. Hillman was 5-8 with two interceptions, while junior Justin Juda was 4-7. Junior Denzel McCullem led the ASU receivers, totaling 71 yards in 5 receptions.
This Saturday, the Grizzlies are at home against Colorado State University-Pueblo in their final night contest at Rex Field. The game is set for a 6 p.m. kickoff, and will be a showdown between the two remaining unbeaten teams in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Fans unable to attend Saturday’s contest can listen to game coverage on KSPK radio.
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