Twenty Point Rally Was Not Enough for ASU Win

Rachel Heaton
The Paw Print

Adams State’s 20 unanswered points in the fourth quarter just weren’t enough to seal a comeback against the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Mavericks on Saturday night at Rex Stadium.
The Grizzlies fell 28-20, dropping this season’s record to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play.
The Mavericks scored first late in the first quarter and maintained the lead for the remainder of the contest despite ASU’s rally efforts. Offensive struggles for the Grizzlies in the first three quarters of play took them into the 4th trailing 28-0.
The Grizzly offense finally started clicking minutes into the fourth quarter with quarterback Lamar McKnight under center. McKnight connected with Phil Romero on an 8-yard pass in the corner of the end zone to cap a 6-play, 85-yard drive. Later, McKnight would find Romero for a touchdown again, this time on a 70-yard pass.
ASU also saw some action from quarterback Auston Hillman, who contributed to the Grizzlies late scoring push when he found Denzel McCullum in the end zone from 14 yards out.
However, the Grizzlies efforts came too late. The Mavericks came up with an interception on ASU’s final drive to seal the deal and end the rally.
ASU’s offense put up 340 yards in the game while holding the Mavericks to 273. McKnight threw for 162 yards and McCullum led the Grizzly receiving corps totaling 91 yards on 4 receptions.
Defensively, the Grizzlies were led by Connor Stevens and Josh Robbins, who each recorded a sack. John Reed led the team in tackles, coming up with seven.
This weekend, the Grizzlies take on the rival Mountaineers from Western State Colorado University in the annual Colorado Classic. The two teams will compete for the traveling trophy that the Grizzlies have owned for the past 12 years.
The Mountaineers are also 1-2 on the season and are coming off a close loss to the reigning RMAC champion Colorado State University – Pueblo Thunderwolves.
Adams State and Western will face off in Gunnison on Saturday at 1 p.m.