SPEARFISH, S.D. – A hot start on a hotter day looked to be the tale to be told, but instead an improbable comeback and a heartbreaking road loss for Adams State University's football team will start the script for the 2017 season. Adams State jumped out to a 31-3 lead early in the first half against Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D., Saturday afternoon, but a touchdown as regulation time expired, a two-point conversion and two overtimes led to a 47-41 Black Hills win.
 
The play on the day that will be remembered forever for both sides of the battle came at the end of regulation. With time running out, the Yellowjackets looked like they wouldn't get the play off as players were running around unset, but a completed pass to Shandon Jones from Ryan Hommel as two Grizzlies collided led to Jones walking into the endzone as time expired. Needing two points, the Yellowjackets rolled right on the two-point conversion, but threw left to Zane Lindsey to send the game to overtime.
 
Black Hills started off the first OT with the ball, as Phydell Paris started things off with a 16-yard run. The Grizzlies held their own twice from inside the five, including a third-down stop on the one-yard line to force the Yellowjackets to kick a field goal. A similar start occurred for Adams, as Jorge Hernandez found James Holtop for an 18-yard pickup, but the offense faltered and was forced to kick.
 
Starting the second OT, the Grizz found themselves forced to kick a field goal, when Jarrell Ganaway blocked the kick. The Yellowjackets took over looking for just a field goal to secure the unthinkable come back. They drove the ball down behind their senior back Paris, then switched it up and handed the ball off quick to their defensive tackle playing fullback, Jared Tiefenthaler, for the rumble in and the win.
 
Heat seemed to play a major factor, as numerous players dropped on both sides of the ball from cramps. Playing on turf, the 89 degree afternoon was pushing well over 90 degrees on the sideline. "We ran out of gas," coach Timm Rosenbach explained. "They were in better shape than us and they played well in the second half."
 
The first half looked like another story was coming, as the Grizzlies scored on their first five drives to take a 31-3 lead. Five minutes remaining in the half led to two quick BHSU scores that flipped momentum going into half and notching the game at 31-17.
 
Corey Brown was the work horse throughout the game for Adams State, nearly tying his career-high with 195 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns. The senior back also caught a pass for four yards.
 
On the other side of the ball, Brandon Baker was playing on Baker Island as the junior defensive back from Texas broke up a game-high six passes and had seven tackles. Isaia Rosten and Michael Dunlap each led the team with 11 tackles, with Dunlap earning a pair of those tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
 
Quarterback Jorge Hernandez looked to be having a career day early. The senior had three touchdowns and was converting key third-down conversions through the air and with his legs. Things started turning for the worse when Hernandez was flushed from the pocket in the third quarter and picked off by RMAC Defensive Player of the Year Drew Hebel. This was a waterfall that led to three turnovers through the air. The senior finished throwing 55 passes for 29 completions for 368 yards, three touchdowns and three picks.
 
On the receiving end was Chad Hovasse, finishing with 100 yards receiving on five catches. Holtrop led the team with nine catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns, while Ziere Banner and Marquese Surrell each had over 60 yards receiving.
 
The next chapter of the 2017 Grizzly football story begins next Saturday at 2 p.m. as Adams State hosts Western State Colorado University for the annual Colorado Classic showdown.