ALAMOSA, Colo. (October 18^th, 2016) – Adams State University returns to the gridiron on Saturday after a bye week to face Colorado Mesa University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm from Ralph Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction. The conference matchup will serve as the second, and final, night game for the Grizzlies in 2016. Colorado Mesa holds a 26-16 all-time record against Adams State.

Last Time Out For ASU
Adams State fell 56-12 to Colorado State University-Pueblo on Oct. 8^th from Rex Field.

The Grizzlies reached paydirt on their opening drive as Jorge Hernandez steadily moved the offense into CSU-Pueblo territory. Hernandez connected with four different receivers on the drive and found Chad Hovasse on a 33-yard strike for a quick 6-0 lead. Montana Gomez's PAT attempt was no good as it hit the left upright. The impressive 9 play, 75-yard drive reached completion in a mere two minutes, 22 seconds. Moving forward, the ThunderWolves produced 35 unanswered points to place the game out of reach for ASU.
Hernandez amassed a season-high 43 completions off 64 attempts for 378 yards. Hernandez linked up with eight different receivers on the day with Hovasse and Phil Romero collecting a bulk of the workload. Hovasse hauled in 10 receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns as Romero picked up a game-high 12 receptions for 105 yards.

John Reed paced the ASU defense with a game-high 11 tackles and one tackle-for-loss (4 yards). The RMAC leading tackler also chipped in two forced fumbles. In total, the Grizzlies collected a season-high four forced fumbles. Tim Brown Jr. concluded with six tackles, two tackles-for-loss (6 yards), and a pass break-up. Addie Brown tallied a total of 213 all-purpose yards on two punt returns and seven kickoff returns.

About The Mavericks
Colorado Mesa enters the game at 5-2 overall. The Mavericks are currently riding a two game losing streak with losses to Black Hills State University (48-34) and Dixie State University (38-31). The consecutive setbacks have removed Colorado Mesa from the AFCA National Poll. CMU ranks fourth in the RMAC in total offense and ninth in total defense. At the conference level, quarterback Sean Rubalcaba ranks third in total offense with an average of 259.1 yards/game. Place kicker Ryan Sheehan ranks first in the RMAC with 15 made field goals off 18 attempts. Blake Nelson ranks fourth with 60 tackles and is tied for second with 5 sacks and 8 tackles-for-loss.

Last We Met
The Grizzlies fell 55-16 on the road against Colorado Mesa on Sept. 19^th, 2015. Pushing Adams State into a hole were 38 unanswered points by the Mavericks that spanned from the opening play of the second quarter until the final minutes of the third. CMU's scoring consisted of three passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, a field goal, and an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown. For the night, Auston Hillman went 15-of-25 for 148 yards passing with three interceptions. 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.

STUDENT-Athlete
On Monday the RMAC released their Football All-Academic teams with lineman Leo Degenstein and receiver Chad Hovasse being named First Team selections. Degenstein holds a 3.91 GPA as a HPPE major. Hovasse carries a 3.39 GPA and is also a HPPE major. It is the first time either has been named to the RMAC All-Academic First Team.  Erik Hildebrandt (3.39 GPA – English/Communication), Mitchell Allen (3.92 GPA – HPPE), Riley Spriggs (3.60 GPA – HPPE), and Cameron DeChesaro (3.55 GPA – MBA) were named All-Academic Honor Roll performers.
 
Introducing Your Team Captains
The Grizzlies turn to a group of five student-athletes in 2016 with the designation of team captain. Wide receiver Chad Hovasse and lineman Addison Farmer were tabbed offensive captains. Meanwhile, linebackers John Land and John Reed alongside defensive back Demari Reynolds earned captain status amongst defensive players.

The ASU Tailgate Experience (Order Form)
Returning for 2016 home games is the 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.

Program To Represent San Luis Valley With Helmet Decal
Head Coach Timm Rosenbach has announced the addition of an SLV decal on the back of each helmet to signify the San Luis Valley's importance to the Adams State football program.

"We wanted to do something to represent where we live not just where we go to school." Rosenbach said of the new decal, "The people of the San Luis Valley provide us with great fan support and are extremely active in Grizzly Club. We are their team and the new decal shows our appreciation for all they do."

The decal will be displayed on the white matte helmet and the traditional green helmet. The SLV decal marks the second consecutive season of uniform upgrades for the program. Prior to the 2015 season, the Grizzlies ushered in their white matte helmet, a gray alternative jersey, and upgrades to their traditional home and away jerseys. The assortment of new gear has allowed the program to utilize different uniform combinations on a game-by-game basis.

Team Posters
Stop by the athletic department offices in Plachy Hall to pick up your 2016 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.