GOLDEN, Colo. – The Adams State University Football team opened the 2018 season on the road at Colorado School of Mines on Saturday afternoon at Marv Kay Stadium. A fast start by the Orediggers ultimately doomed the Grizzlies as they fell 49-7. With the loss the Grizzlies move to 0-1 on the season.
 
The game was ultimately called early in the fourth quarter with 13:26 on the clock as lightning in the area picked up. A lightning delay earlier in the afternoon also postponed the start of the contest.
 
Despite Mother Nature's intentions, four first quarter touchdowns by Mines created a 28-0 deficit that Adams State never recovered from. Defensively, the Orediggers held the Grizzlies high powered offense at bay for the majority of the contest. After averaging 488 yards and just over 32 points per game last season, Adams State's high octane offense was limited to 132 yards for the afternoon and managed just one touchdown. The Orediggers totaled 501 yards on the day to start the season 1-0.
 
The Orediggers won the coin toss and brought their offense on the field first. They wasted little time taking the lead and never surrendered it. Division I Indiana State transfer Isaac Harker got the starting nod at quarterback and immediately showcased his skill as he threw four first quarter touchdowns, all to wide receiver Brody Oliver.
 
Harker's first touchdown to Oliver came at the 13:37 mark. The Grizzlies looked to respond on their opening drive but a Nick Rooney interception put Mines in solid position on the Adams State 35 yard line. The momentum did not last long for Mines as linebacker Braeden Meyer forced a fumble against Harker on the very next play on a quarterback keeper. Defensive lineman Garrett Pemelton recovered the ball and took it back to the Oredigger 35 yard line, but the Grizzlies walked away with no points on the ensuing offensive series.
 
Harker found Oliver again at the 7:41 and 4:26 marks for touchdown passes of 21 and 20 yards, respectively. The duo's final touchdown of the quarter came with 2:04 to play as they connected for a 67 yard score.
 
The second quarter was a completely different story as they Grizzlies defense buckled own and held the Orediggers to just one touchdown. On the flip side, Adams State only score of the game came with :36 play in the half. Rooney found wide receiver Chad Hovasse on a 30 yard pass to keep the Grizzlies from being shutout. Mines lone score of the second quarter came with just 1:02 to play until halftime as running back Cameron Mayberry capped off a nine play, 77 yard drive that lasted 3:57.
 
Mines scored its final two touchdowns of the day in the third quarter. Mayberry found the end zone for a second time at the 10:46 mark on a seven-yard run to finish up a 47 yard, six play drive. Harker brought the game to its final score of 49-7 on a 10 yard touchdown pass to Oliver with :59 to play in the third quarter.
 
Harker finished 22-of-34 for 317 yards and five touchdowns for Mines. Olivee, being the recipient of all five of those touchdowns, finished with 10 catches for 198 yards. Mayberry rushed for 137 yards on 20 carries to go along with a pair of touchdowns. Geoff Keating led the defense with seven tackles, one sack and an interception. Averie Mansfield also had seven tackles, while Kobe Brewster had the game's other interception.
 
Rooney finished the game 17-of-41 passing with 107 yards and one touchdown for the Grizzlies. He was picked off and sacked twice, respectively. Hovasse pulled in eight catches for 60 yards and one touchdown. Tyree Harris led the ground game with 15 rushing yards on seven carries. Defensively, Sipa Leafa had 10 total tackles with four being unassisted to lead Adams State. Garrett Jackson was not far behind with seven total. Oto forced the game's only fumble to go along with two tackles.
 
The Grizzlies will look to bounce back as they remain on the road next weekend. They will travel to Las Vegas, N.M. to take on the Cowboys of New Mexico Highlands. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Sanchez Stadium.