RAPID CITY, S.D. (October 1, 2016) – Adams State University fell 62-35 on Saturday in their first-ever meeting with South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.

The Grizzlies (1-4, 1-4 RMAC) had trouble containing Hardrockers' (4-1, 3-1 RMAC) quarterback Jake Sullivan who amassed 376 passing yards and six touchdowns in the RMAC tilt. S.D. School of Mines ultimately racked up 615 yards of total offense while going 6-for-6 on scoring opportunities inside the red zone.

With a S.D. School of Mines touchdown on the opening drive, the Grizzly defense minimized any immediate damage thanks to a fourth down stop from linebacker Vasa Hansell. The turnover on downs initialized Adams State's 9 play, 63 yard scoring drive capped off by a 19-yard hook-and-ladder touchdown. On the play Hernandez connected with Darvin McCauley who lateraled his reception to Addie Brown who sprinted into the end zone. The tied 7-7 affair wouldn't last long as the Hardrockers notched a touchdown on the final play of the quarter.

Four Hardrockers' touchdowns in the second quarter pushed Adams State into a 41-13 halftime deficit. The Grizzlies' second quarter touchdown drive was highlighted by Hernandez who kept the chains moving thanks to 47 rushing yards. The junior picked up a 41 yard gain that moved the ball inside the red zone. Four plays later, Hernandez found Phil Romero in the end zone for a 12-yard score.

Excluding the touchdown drive, Adams State produced 65 yards of offense in the second quarter.

Hernandez added a one-yard rushing touchdown in the third but the Hardrockers countered with a pair of touchdowns as well to maintain the lead.

In the fourth, Hernandez and Romero connected again for a touchdown followed by a successful two-point conversion play as Hernandez completed his pass attempt to Mason Craig. ASU's scoring concluded on their final drive of the game thanks to a steady rushing attack from Ference Lang and Cameron DeChesaro. The 11 play, 70 yard drive came to a close with a 2-yard pass from Stetson Stallworth to James Holtrop. Stallworth's successful two-point conversion pass to Romero followed.

Hernandez accounted for 378 yards of total offense in the loss. Hernandez finished 27-of-55 for 322 yards and three touchdowns through the air. He added a team-high 56 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground. Romero hauled in 6 receptions for a game-high 90 yards along with two touchdowns as Auston Hillman and Corey Brown each notched 5 receptions for 60 yards.

Morris Gilbert led the way defensively with 13 tackles as John Land accounted for 12. Hansell recorded a sack along with three tackles. The trio of Ashton Lawson, Evan Ford, and Lynn Katoa each picked up a pass break-up.

Adams State returns home for an Oct. 8^th meeting with Colorado State University-Pueblo at 1pm. The RMAC tilt will serve as the Spud Bowl and the program's Think Pink Game.