ALAMOSA, Colo. (September 27, 2016) – For the first time in 2016, Adams State University will venture outside the Centennial State. The Grizzlies will travel over 600 miles to face a new RMAC foe in South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. MT at O'Harra Stadium in Rapid City, S.D. Event coverage links can be found above.

Last Time Out For ASU
The Grizzlies overcame a 16-point deficit to secure their first victory over Chadron State College since 2005. Adams State trailed for the duration of the game until Addie Brown went the distance for a 91-yard punt return midway through the fourth. Zach Cimaglia's successful PAT that followed gave Adams State a 31-30 lead that they would not relinquish. After a slow start to the offense, Adams State opted for freshman quarterback Stetson Stallworth who successfully kept the offense in motion. In his first extended action, Stallworth completed 9-of-17 passes for 84 yards along with two touchdowns and an interception. Corey Brown racked up a game-high 120 yards rushing off 26 carries. John Reed added a game-high 11 tackles (6 solo) with Morris Gilbert and John Land tacking on 10 tackles apiece. Vasa Hansell and Jamal Jennings both provided two pass breakups as six Grizzlies picked up a tackle-for-loss in the conference tilt.

About The Hardrockers
The Hardrockers enter their week five matchup with the second-ranked total offense in the RMAC. The offensive unit produces an average of 506.5 yards/game which has translated to 37.8 points per game. S.D. School of Mines is powered by junior quarterback Jake Sullivan who ranks second in the RMAC in total offense. Sullivan serves as a duel threat by way of his 278 total rushing yards which has produced six touchdowns. Senior running back Kevin Thompson will also be a threat. Thompson averages 74.0 rushing yards/game. Defensive end David Jakpor will look to disrupt the Grizzly offense throughout the RMAC tilt as the senior ranks second at the conference level with 43 tackles. The program is under the direction of first year head coach Zach Tinker.

Last We Met
Saturday will mark the first meeting between the two programs. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology officially joined the RMAC for the 2016 season after previous affiliation with the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

Brown Earns RMAC Award
Against Chadron State College, Addie Brown reached paydirt on a 91-yard punt return that tied the game at 30-30 midway through the fourth quarter. The successful PAT that followed gave Adams State their first lead of the game at 31-30. The Grizzlies ultimately held onto the slim lead to secure their first victory over Chadron State since 2005.
On the thrilling punt return, Brown picked up key blocks from teammates John Reed and John Land that paved the way for Brown to sprint into the south end zone of Rex Field for the momentum-changing play of the game. 

Brown added 3 kick returns for 70 yards in conjunction with his 91-yard punt return.

Brown's award marks the second consecutive week for the program taking home RMAC Special Team Player of the Week honors as punter/kick Zach Cimaglia took home the award a week ago.

Conference Leaders
Senior linebacker John Reed enters week five as your leading RMAC tackler. Through four games, Reed has 48 total tackles. Morris Gilbert is third in tackles with 39.  Here are some other notable marks for Adams State at the conference level.

Player                                Category (rank)                                  Stats
John Reed                          Tackles (1^st)                                         48 tackles
Wesley Brandon                  Fumbles Forced (1^st)                             2 fumbles
Wesley Brandon                  Fumbles Recovered (T-1^st)                     2 recoveries
Zach Cimaglia                     Field Goals (T-2^nd)                                4 field goals
Morris Gilbert                      Tackles (3^rd)                                        39 tackles
Zach Cimaglia                     Scoring-Kicking (4^th)                             5.7 points/game
Tim Brown Jr.                      Interceptions (T-4^th)                              2 interceptions
Corey Brown                        Rushing (5^th)                                       349 total yards
Corey Brown                        Rushing/Game (5^th)                              87.2 yards/game
Chad Hovasse                     Receptions/Game (T-7^th)                       5.0 receptions/game
Chad Hovasse                     Receiving Yards/Game (10^th)                 61.5 yards/game


 
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.