ALAMOSA, Colo. (September 22, 2015) – The Colorado Classic will be renewed on Saturday at Rex Stadium as Adams State University hosts rival Western State Colorado University. Adams State's 39-37 defeat last season snapped a 13-game winning streak over the Mountaineers. The 2015 rendition pits a pair of teams searching for their first win of the season. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. in what will be the final regular season game under the lights at Rex Stadium in 2015.

Last Time Out For ASU
In their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) opener, Adams State fell 55-16 to Colorado Mesa University from Stocker Stadium. It's the most points given up by ASU since a 59-3 defeat at Montana State during the 2008 season opener.
 
In the loss to CMU, the Grizzlies finished with 5 turnovers as the Maverick's conference-best defense limited the Grizzlies to 32 net rushing yards. The Grizzlies finished with 296 yards of total offense for the game. Offensively, Zach Cimaglia put ASU on the board with a 27-yard field goal in the first quarter. The Grizzlies added a touchdown in the third and fourth quarter, respectively, but were unable to work back into contention due to 38 unanswered points by CMU. The 38-0 run spanned from the opening play of the second quarter until the final minutes of the third.

Quarterback Auston Hillman went 15-of-25 for 148 yards passing with three interceptions as backup Johnny Feauto added a 9-of-20 performance for 126 yards along with a touchdown and an interception. Addie Brown tallied 34 yards rushing on seven attempts as Phil Romero snagged a game-high seven receptions for 120 yards. Wesley Brandon collected 10 tackles (8 solo) with three tackles-for-loss to pace the defensive unit.

About The Mountaineers
At 0-3, 0-1 RMAC, Western State has fallen to the University of Northern Colorado, Angelo State University, and Colorado State University-Pueblo. Within the conference, the Mountaineers rank 5^th in total offense but are last in total defense. Through three games, Western State's defense has allowed an average of 551.3 yards per game.
In their 20-10 loss at CSU-Pueblo on 9/19/15, Western mustered a mere 244 yards of total offense as the ThunderWolves racked up 464 yards. The offense was held scoreless until a Ryan Winke 32-yard field goal in the third. Kyle Adkins accounted for the program's lone touchdown reception in the fourth thanks to a 13-yard pass from Brett Arrivey. For the game, Arrivey went 15-of-27 for 150 yards passing and one touchdown. The junior signal caller was disrupted throughout the affair; accounting for five sacks. All-Conference running back Austin Ekeler rushed for 86 yards on 20 carries. He also grabbed four receptions for 12 yards. The Eaton, Colo. product has 312 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns in two games played.

The program is under the leadership of fifth year head coach Jas Bains. As a safety for Fresno State in the early 2000's, Bains led the Bulldogs to bowl game victories over Georgia Tech, UCLA, and Virginia. After graduating from Fresno State in 2004 he began his coaching career at Chadron State.

Last We Met
The Mountaineers scored a touchdown with six seconds remaining in regulation for a 39-37 victory during the 2014 meeting. Trailing 23-14 at halftime, ASU rallied for 17 points in the third quarter to grab a 31-26 lead. The lead seesawed back-and-forth until Arrivey found Travis Haney for a 9-yard touchdown in the final seconds. The 14 play, 88 yard Western drive left the Grizzlies with no time to retaliate. Lamar McKnight accounted for 324 yards passing and two touchdowns in the loss. John Reed collected 12 tackles (4 solo) and one tackle-for-loss.
 
Where They Rank
Adams State's conference rankings entering week four:
Scoring Offense: 8^th (of 10)……..21.0 ppg.
Scoring Defense: 10^th (of 10)…..49.0 ppg. allowed
Total Offense: 8^th (of 10)………..362.0 yards per game
Total Defense: 8^th (of 10)……….503.0 yards per game allowed
 
Leading The Way
Junior wide receiver Phil Romero has an RMAC-best 7.3 receptions per game. He also ranks fourth in receiving yards per game (94.0) and is tied for seventh in all-purpose yards per game (122.7).
 
A Top 10 Play
In their loss to Mesa State, the Grizzlies executed a 32-yard hook and ladder play for a touchdown in the third quarter. On the play, Johnny Feauto connected with Romero for a 9 yard reception. Before hitting the ground Romero tossed the ball to Addie Brown who reached paydirt. It marked the first touchdown of the season for Brown and the second passing touchdown for Feauto.
 
The ASU Tailgating Experience (Order Form)
Introduced for 2015 home games is a tailgating area located between the Student Union Building and the Administration Housing office. Tailgating will be made available three hours prior to game time and close 30 minutes before kickoff. Food and alcoholic beverages may be brought into the sectioned tailgate area but are prohibited from exiting the designated area. Only gas grills are allowed and must be accompanied with a mat underneath to catch grease. No open fires or charcoal grills are allowed.

Reserve a tailgating spot today for only $10 and send completed order forms to diannelee@adams.edu or fax to 719-587-7276.

As in years past, fans can also reserve the Party on the Patio and the Grizzly Club Box for homes games. Fans are encouraged to order today as select games have already been reserved. For more information, pricing, and to reserve a game click here. Please send completed orders to diannelee@adams.edu or fax to 719-587-7276.

The 5^th Quarter
Following home games fans can partake in The 5^th Quarter! This postgame radio show--brought to you by KSPK--will take place in Vistas Restaurant immediately following the conclusion of every home game. Fans can take in food and beverage while KSPK's Andrew Stossmeister and Justin Taylor recap the game and talk with head coach Timm Rosenbach.
 
New Year, New Gear
Unveiled for 2015 is a white matte finish helmet as well as a traditional green helmet that has been used in recent seasons. The biggest change comes in the form of the official Adams State U-Paw decal that is prominently displayed on both. Under the Schutt brand, both styles incorporate a green facemask with "Grizz" written on the nose bumper. Adams State last wore white helmets during the 1970's before switching to green.

Both helmets not only incorporate a new style but an upgrade in student-athlete safety by switching to the Schutt Vengeance VTD II and Schutt AiR XP Pro VTD helmet models. Both models have been evaluated and given the highest rating possible (5-Stars) according to Virginia Tech helmet ratings.

Introducing Your Team Captains
Adams State University head coach Timm Rosenbach has announced captains for the 2015 season. Senior lineman Austin Andrade was named captain of the offensive unit as senior defensive back Ryan Holland received the defensive nod. Meanwhile junior defensive back John Flowers was tabbed as the special teams captain.

About ASU Football
Since beginning play in 1930, Adams State has captured 10 conference titles with five seasons of postseason play. The program holds a 6-3 postseason record and served as the NAIA National Runner-up in 1988. The program has produced 32 All-Americans and one National Coach of the Year recipient (Jeff Geiser, 1989-NAIA).

Team Posters
Stop by the athletic department  offices in Plachy Hall to pick up your 2015 ASU schedule posters! Fans can also view posters at www.asugrizzlies.com by navigating to the "Fan Zone" tab.

Stay Connected
For any updates regarding Adams State athletics stay connected with www.asugrizzlies.com! Updates are also available through the Grizzlies official Twitter (@ASUGrizzlies) and Facebook (/TheAsuGrizzlies) accounts.