ALAMOSA, Colo. (Nov. 6, 2014) – It's the final home game of 2014 for the Adams State University football team as they face off against the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks on Saturday in Alamosa. It is prepped to be an eventful setting at Rex Stadium. Not only does the conference tilt serve as ASU's Senior Day but also a farewell to head coach Marty Heaton who will be pacing the home sideline one last time. Heaton announced he will retire at the end of the season.

It will also serve as the annual Musket Game featuring a Springfield .45-70 military issue rifle. The winner holds possession of the rifle which is traditionally fired by players and coaches after the game in celebration. The Skyhawks currently hold ownership of the rifle via their 27-24 win last season.

Both squads are looking to rebound after each fell by one possession a week ago. After leading for the majority of the game, Adams State fell 40-36 to Western New Mexico University. The Mustangs came back with 24 fourth quarter points to prevent the ASU win.

The Skyhawks held a 16-7 halftime lead against Western State Colorado University but a big third quarter from the Mountaineers helped propel them to a 27-26 win. FLC lost the lead after a Western State touchdown with 1:19 remaining in regulation.

With identical records, FLC and ASU carry similar statistics. Amongst Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) teams, ASU ranks eighth with 27.3 ppg. while FLC ranks tenth at 21.6 ppg. The Grizzlies also hold the edge defensively by allowing 31.0 ppg. with FLC giving up 36.0 ppg.  

Both teams hold a non-conference win over Oklahoma Panhandle State University. FLC defeated the Aggies, 45-38, from Goodwell, Okla. back on Sept. 13. Meanwhile the Grizzlies began the season on Sept. 4 against OPSU with a 23-7 victory from Rex Stadium.

About The Musket Game
The Springfield .45-70 military issue rifle that serves as the traveling trophy between Fort Lewis College and Adams State University was donated in 1966 to the two athletic departments by Mahlon "Butch" White, who was involved with the First National Banks in both Alamosa and Durango, in memory of William White. The rifle is to be retained by the winning school at their annual football game. Traditionally, seniors from the winning team get to fire the rifle at the conclusion the game.