ALAMOSA, Colo. (September 26, 2015) – Adams State University overcame a 36-point deficit that led to a dramatic 52-51 overtime victory against Western State Colorado University during the annual Colorado Classic on Saturday night from Rex Stadium. The Grizzlies trailed 42-6 in the closing seconds of the second quarter but erupted for 36 unanswered points after halftime to force overtime.

The rivalry game concluded with both teams combining for 1,241 yards of total offense and nine touchdowns. With the win, ASU reclaims the Colorado Classic trophy to avenge last season's defeat to the Mountaineers.

A pivotal momentum change came on the final play of the opening stanza as quarterback Auston Hillman found wide receiver Chad Hovasse for a 37-yard touchdown strike that sent the game to halftime with Western State ahead, 42-13.

The unlikely play ignited ASU's offensive firepower in the second half where the Grizzlies would outscore the Mountaineers 29-0.

After replacing starter Johnny Feauto in the second quarter Hillman led the Green & White to the unlikely comeback by totaling 284 yards passing and five touchdowns through the air on 21-of-35 attempts. The signal caller also accounted for 87 yards rushing on 15 attempts and a touchdown on the ground.

During the historic second half, Hillman connected with James Holtrop for a pair of touchdowns and also found Addie Brown for an 8-yard score.

As the game entered the fourth ASU still faced a 42-28 deficit. With 5:07 remaining Hillman found Brown for the 8-yard touchdown pass to bring the conference tilt to a one possession affair. The score capped off a 10 play, 66 yard drive. On the ensuing drive, the ASU defense forced a Western State punt that gave the Grizzlies the ball with 2:53 remaining. Starting from their own 16 yard line, Hillman led the Grizzlies on a gripping 9 play, 84 yard touchdown drive highlighted by Holtrop's 5-yard touchdown grab to tie the game at 42-42.

The score left the Mountaineers with 30 seconds remaining in regulation but the drive was halted in their own territory.

Entering overtime deadlocked at 42-42 the Grizzlies struck first thanks to a 42-yard field goal by Zach Cimaglia. The Mountaineers' first overtime drive played out similar with Ryan Winke connecting on a 37-yard field goal.

On ASU's second overtime possession Hillman and Holtrop connected for a 24-yard touchdown that led to the dramatic finish during this instant classic.

After pushing the ball to the goal line, Western State quarterback Brett Arrivey found Kyle Adkins for a 3-yard touchdown. Rather than attempting a PAT to continue the thriller, the Mountaineers prompted the decisive outcome by going for the two-point conversion. With the Rex Stadium faithful on the edge of their seat, the ASU defense denied Arrivey's throw; brining the game to its final score of 52-51.

It marked the first overtime game for the ASU program since 10/8/11 when the Grizzlies defeated New Mexico Highlands, 30-24.

For the game, Holtrop tallied a collegiate-best 11 receptions and three touchdowns for 121 yards. Running back Rashad Hall added a season-best 139 yards rushing on 18 carries and a score. Brown added 66 yards rushing and 55 yards receiving on five receptions.

Meanwhile the Grizzly defense stepped up to make the win possible by holding the Mountaineers scoreless in the second half. Linebacker John Reed led the way with 12 total tackles (10 solo) along with two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Defensive backs Ryan Holland and Tim Brown Jr. each contributed 8 total tackles, respectively. Defensive lineman Quincey Davison added two tackles and a sack.

Western State was paced by Arrivey who finished with a game-high 333 yards passing and four touchdowns while going 31-of-44. Running back Austin Ekeler rushed for 242 yards on 23 carries for three touchdowns.

The program looks to build off the electrifying win on Oct. 2 as they host Colorado State University-Pueblo during homecoming week. That conference affair is slated for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.

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