Football 8/30/2018 12:53:00 PM Sports Information Director

FB | Grizzlies Open Up 2018 Campaign at Colorado School of Mines

ALAMOSA, Colo. - The Adams State University Football team will kickoff the 2018 campaign on the road against in-state foe Colorado School of Mines this Saturday, Sept. 1 at Marv Kay Stadium. Opening kick is set for 12 p.m.

KICKOFF
The Grizzlies finished the 2017 season tied for seventh in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference with a 4-6 record while going 4-7 overall. The Grizzlies did pick up key wins over Western State and Fort Lewis, as well as S.D. Mines and New Mexico Highlands. 2018 rings in a new era for the Grizzlies as they are under the direction of first year Head Coach Josh Blankenship. This new direction has already garnered attention as Lindy's Sports has the Adams State team ranked No. 25 in its Division II Preseason Poll.

Adams State top-25 ranking comes thanks in part to the return of an offensive core that led the RMAC in passing and was second in total offense during the 2017 campaign. One key piece of weaponry returning for Adams State is wide receiver Chad Hovasse who put together the second-best season in school history with 87 receptions last season. He led the conference in receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns while putting himself tied for sixth in the conference in scoring behind five running backs and a kicker. This led the junior being named a nominee for the Harlon Hill Award for the best player in Division II.

Hovasse, along with one of the best receiving corps in the nation were large benefactors to quarterback Nick Rooney, who started in all but one game at quarterback and took the conference by storm the minute he stepped onto the field. In just 10 games played, Rooney led the RMAC in total offense with more than 331 yards per game, while leading the conference in passing average with 315 yards per game, nearly seven yards more than any other quarterback. Rooney's 29 passing touchdowns were more than a pair of teams in the conference scored all season. He completed more than 61 percent of his throws last season and was named the RMAC Athlete of the Week in first start against Western State.

Hovasse and Rooney are not the only players returning for Adams State that will continue to catch opposing teams and fans attention. Defensive back Garrett Jackson and wide receiver Marquese Surrell will look to help Adams State in major ways once again entering 2018. Jackson not only the led conference but all of Division II in tackles per game with more than a dozen per contest. He had 88 solo tackles last season in his 10 games, and despite having two less games than some this season he had 18 more total tackles than any other defender in the conference. Surrell was another standout receiver last year, ranking third in the RMAC in receptions per game and third in yards per game. He caught 10 touchdowns and was a large part of the kickoff return game with 48 returns. Both Hovasse and Surrell were Preseason First Team All-RMAC selections.

SERIES HISTORY
The Grizzlies and Orediggers will square off for the 69th time overall. Adams holds a slim edge against Colorado Mines 34-32-2, but it has been in the Orediggers favor as of late. The Grizzlies have dropped the last five contests and 10 of the last 11. In years past the game between Adams State and Colorado Mines has become a shootout of sorts with an average of 30 or more points being scored in the contest. What is new to this affair is that Saturday's game will be the first time both schools have ever met in a season opener.

SCOUTING THE OREDIGGERS
Entering 2018, the RMAC Preseason Coaches Poll has the Orediggers finishing third behind CSU-Pueblo and Colorado Mesa. They did grab two first place votes and will look to contend for a conference crown. Nationally, Mines has appeared in a pair of preseason polls. The Orediggers are ranked No. 17 in Lindy's and No. 25 in Street & Smith's.

Two offensive players in running back Cameron Mayberry and wide receiver Brody Oliver will likely lead the way for the Orediggers. Both are came into this season earning numerous preseason All-American honors. D2Footall.com has Mayberry on its first team and Oliver on its second team. Mayberry was also a Lindy's Preseason First-Team All-American. Both picked up Preseason All-RMAC honors.

UP NEXT
Following the season opener, the Grizzlies will remain on the road next weekend. Adams State will head to New Mexico Highlands to square off against the Cowboys on Saturday, Sept. 8. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#81 Chad Hovasse: WR; 6' 1"; Redshirt Junior

#13 Garrett Jackson: DB; 6' 1"; Junior

#4 Nick Rooney: QB; 6' 2"; Junior

#18 Marquese Surrell: WR; 6' 3"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#81 Chad Hovasse
: 6' 1"; Redshirt Junior
: WR

#13 Garrett Jackson
: 6' 1"; Junior
: DB

#4 Nick Rooney
: 6' 2"; Junior
: QB

#18 Marquese Surrell
: 6' 3"; Junior
: WR

Players Mentioned

Players Mentioned

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