ALAMOSA, Colo. (September 6, 2016) – The 70^th annual Colorado Classic will commence this Saturday as Adams State University travels to face Western State Colorado University. The trophy series is fresh off a thrilling 2015 game that saw Adams State mount a 36-point comeback to take down Western State 52-51 in double overtime. Despite last year's historic win, the Mountaineers hold a 39-30 record in the series.

Both teams are searching for their first win of 2016 after both fell in their week one matchup. Fans can follow Saturday's game at the above links.

Last Time Out For ASU
Despite four interceptions and a pair of lost fumbles, Adams State was in a position to win in the final minute of the fourth quarter against Black Hills State University during the season opener on Sept. 3^rd.

Trailing 34-27 with under three minutes left in the fourth, the Grizzlies engineered a 14 play, 80 yard drive to push within a point at 34-33. With the kicking game in question, ASU opted to go for two but Auston Hillman's pass attempt fell to the ground to give BHSU a 34-33 win. The Yellow Jacket's victory snapped a 12-game losing streak. It also served as Adams State's first-ever defeat to BHSU in program history.

After a shaky start from quarterback Jorge Hernandez, Adams State turned to Hillman to lead the offense. The senior gave the offense traction and connected with receiver Chad Hovasse on a pair of touchdowns during the conference tilt. Hovasse finished the game with three touchdowns and nine receptions for 106 yards. In his first game as a Grizzly, running back Corey Brown tallied a game-high 170 yards on the ground.

About the Mountaineers
Western State fell, 34-14, at home versus Colorado Mesa University on Sept. 3^rd. Senior running back Austin Ekeler had a team-best 110 yards rushing and a touchdown. Defensively, Jordan Woodyard paced Western State with 12 total tackles, two quarterback hits, and 1.5 tackles-for-loss. The program is under the direction of head coach Jas Bains who is in his sixth season with the program.

Last We Met
Adams State overcame a 36-point deficit that led to a dramatic 52-51 double overtime victory against Western State from Rex Field on 9/26/15. 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 reclaimed the Colorado Classic trophy to avenge 2014's road defeat

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

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.