CANYON, Texas – Adams State University football team turned the ball over five times in a close loss, 14-17, to West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas, Saturday evening. Despite the loss, junior wideout Chad Hovasse had a career-day, setting the school record in single-game receptions with 14.
 
Turnovers were the difference in the game, as Nick Rooney threw out three interceptions in the loss. The most costly turnover though came under two-minutes left in the game and knocking on the redzone, as Rooney was pressured and fumbled the ball at the 30 yard-line. Two plays later, West Texas rushed for a first down and were able to bleed out the rest of the clock.
 
Oddly, it was a career-day for Rooney as well. The junior set the school record in single-game completions with 45. In fact only six passes from Rooney's arm hit the ground, as the junior was 45 for 55 passing for 385 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions.
 
Defensively, the Grizzlies held their own with a season-low 360 yards of allowed offense. It was also the second-least points scored against the Grizzlies this season. Garrett Jackson and Ashton Lawson had good days, as Jackson had a team-high seven tackles, while Lawson had six. Additionally, Jackson had two tackles for loss and a sack, while Lawson had a forced fumble and an interception.
 
The defense also did not allow turnovers to affect the score, as West Texas was unable to score despite recovering four turnovers. Off of the first three turnovers, West Texas had two three-and-outs for a combined negative-10 yards, as well as a two-play for two-yards series ended by an Adams State forced fumble. The most damage off of an Adams State turnover came in the fourth when West Texas had five plays for 59 yards before Lawson forced the fumble and gave the Grizzlies a chance.
 
Hovasse's day was one for the books, as he not only set the record he held tied with Marquese Surrell, but he also moved into second in Adams State history in career receptions. Hovasse passed three individuals that were tied at 143 career receptions, and now sits just 15 catches from tying Tom Stevens school record 163 receptions.
 
Additionally, his 128 yards receiving pushes him past Gene Mejia and into fourth all-time in career reception yards. His touchdown reception ties him with Jim Paul for fifth all-time in touchdown receptions. Hovasse needs just 16 catches, 388 yards and nine touchdowns to become the Adams State career-record holder in all three receiving categories.
 
Adams State returns home to take on previously-ranked Colorado Mesa University for the 2017 homecoming game. Colorado Mesa will be coming off of a close game against Dixie State.