ALAMOSA, Colo. (October 3, 2015) – It was all Colorado State University-Pueblo on Saturday from Rex Stadium as the tenth-ranked ThunderWolves handed Adams State University a 56-0 loss during homecoming week.
It's the first time the Grizzlies (1-4, 1-2 RMAC) have been held scoreless since a 31-0 defeat at Chadron State College on 10/5/13.
CSU-Pueblo (4-1, 3-0 RMAC) turned to running backs Cameron McDondle and Bernard McDondle who combined for 394 net rushing yards and five touchdowns. As a team, CSU-Pueblo registered 592 yards of total offense as the Grizzlies tallied 244.
After a three-and-out on their opening drive, the ThunderWolves reached paydirt with a 73-yard touchdown run by Cameron McDondle in the first quarter. Bernard McDondle also found the end zone during the quarter; giving CSU-Pueblo an early 14-0 lead. The ThunderWolves' added two more touchdowns in the second quarter highlighted by a 12 play, 96-yard scoring drive before halftime.
Any signs of an ASU comeback quickly vanished as quarterback AJ Thompson connected with tight end Zach Boyd for a 90-yard touchdown on the opening play of the third quarter. The defending national champions added a 17-yard touchdown run and a 53-yard interception return for a touchdown during the third. Bernard McDondle added an 84-yard touchdown run in the fourth to complete scoring for the game.
Meanwhile, ASU struggled offensively. The team's longest drive of the day encompassed six plays; elapsing 3:30 off the game clock. Of the 254 yards of total offense the Grizzlies only mustered 10 net rushing yards. Individually, quarterback
Auston Hillman went 26-of-45 for 244 yards with six interceptions.
James Holtrop led the receiving corp with 7 receptions for 78 yards.
Defensive back
James Regan led the ASU defense with 9 total tackles (6 solo) as defensive lineman
Sione Mataele grabbed a rare interception to begin the fourth quarter. Mataele finished with 4 total tackles (3 solo) during the conference tilt.
The offensive struggles resulted in
Zach Cimaglia recording 9 punts for a 45.2 yards per punt average. The junior landed three punts inside the 20 yard line with a game-high 67-yard punt during the second quarter.
The Grizzlies return to the field on Oct. 10 to face Chadron State College. Kickoff is slated for 1pm from Chadron, Neb.