ALAMOSA, Colo. (November 8, 2014) – A dominating second half propelled the Adams State University football team to a 34-30 win in their home finale against the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks. With the win ASU reclaims the highly sought Springfield .45-70 military issue rifle used to signify the Musket Game rivalry between the two conference foes.

The win improves Adams State to 4-6 overall and 3-5 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) games. For the 2014 campaign, the Grizzlies compiled a 3-2 home record by claiming wins over Fort Lewis, New Mexico Highlands University, and Oklahoma Panhandle State University.

After a 7-7 tie going into the second quarter, FLC went off for 16 unanswered points. The Skyhawks made their run with a pair of touchdowns from running back Cameron Padilla. In-between those two scores was a safety that occurred as a punt formation snap went over the head of freshman Keating Krauser. The bad snap carried the ball into the end zone and out of bounds.

After halftime the Grizzlies retaliated quickly as Auston Hillman found Denzel McCullum for a 44-yard touchdown pass that elapsed only 1:31 off the clock. After a defensive stop the ASU offense returned and found paydirt again. The Grizzlies advanced down the field thanks to three FLC penalties that moved the ball 58 yards. Adams State capped off the nine play, 88 yard drive with a two yard Zach Bagby touchdown reception from Hillman.

An early fourth quarter touchdown sent FLC to a 30-20 lead but ASU fought back late. This time it was Hillman who rushed for a four yard score to tighten the gap at 30-27. It was a drive that saw Hillman complete three passes for 32 yards and rush three times for 39 yards.

Hillman continued to push the issue on the next drive that resulted in a 17-yard touchdown pass to Harry Adjei. The signal caller completed three passes for 52 yards while adding 15 yards on the ground.

The touchdown gave the Grizzlies their first lead at 34-30. The game would end with that score after defensive back Kresean Reed picked off Trevor Bonifasi on the first play of the ensuing Skyhawks drive.

Hillman finished the game by going 13-of-18 for 168 yards and three touchdowns. The sophomore also tallied a game-high 81 yards rushing on eight carries. Phil Romero led all players with six receptions and 105 yards while Adjei record five receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensive lineman Quincey Davidson disrupted the FLC offense with nine tackles. Linebacker John Reed added seven tackles.

Adams State wraps up their season next week against the Colorado School of Mines on Nov. 15 at 11:00 am. The game will take place at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada.