ALAMOSA, Colo. (October 17, 2015) – True freshman quarterback Johnny Feauto amassed 444 passing yards to lead Adams State University to a compelling 44-24 victory over Black Hills State University on Saturday from Rex Stadium.

Feauto's passing yardage is now a single-game program record for a freshman and only 114 yards behind Bobby Saiz's overall single-game school record (558 yards, 1989).

As a team the Grizzlies (2-5, 2-3 RMAC) posted a season-high 633 total yards of offense and dominated time of possession at 41:11. Adams State finished with the edge in nearly every statistical category in a game that remained within one possession until the Grizzlies scored 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

Despite having four turnovers the ASU offense was able to steadily move the ball with Feauto at the helm. In his third career start the Frederick, Colorado product went 32-of-41 (78%) through the air for 444 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 20 yards on the ground with 7 carries.

Feauto frequently targeted receiver Phil Romero who collected a game-high 9 receptions for 146 yards. In total, seven Grizzlies snagged a reception as James Holtrop added two touchdown catches.

The two RMAC foes entered the second quarter tied at 7-7 but a 9-yard touchdown reception by Chad Hovasse put the Grizzlies back on top, 13-7, as ASU was unsuccessful on their two-point conversion. The two-point play soon became mute as the Yellow jackets (0-7, 0-5 RMAC) missed their PAT attempt after a touchdown later in the quarter.

The Grizzlies eventually entered halftime ahead 20-13; marking their first lead of the season at the break.

BHSU closed the gap to three points at 27-24 with a pair of touchdowns in the third before the Grizzlies exploded in the final frame. The Grizzlies scored on all three of their possessions that started in the fourth capped off by a 14 play, 74 yard touchdown drive. The scoring drive was completed as Feauto found Darvin McCauley for a one-yard touchdown to bring the game to its final score of 44-24.

Running back Addie Brown led all players with 121 yards rushing on 31 carries. It marks the second time this season an ASU player has surpassed 100 rushing yards in a game (Rashad Hall, vs. WSCU). His production on Saturday now serves a collegiate-best.

The ASU defense was paced by Daniel Paponetti with 8 tackles (5 solo). Wesley Brandon added an interception, a pass breakup, and 2 tackles. As a unit the defense collected 6 pass breakups and 2 blocks.

Zach Cimaglia went 5-for-5 on PAT attempts along with a 28-yard field goal in the win. For the season, Cimaglia is now 5-of-8 on field goal attempts.

Next for the Grizzlies is a meeting with New Mexico Highlands University on Oct. 24 from Las Vegas, N.M. Kickoff is slated for 12pm.