ALAMOSA, Colo. – The Adams State Grizzlies Football team looks to end their two-game skid Saturday, as they prepare to take on the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers at home for the 2019 homecoming game at Rex Stadium. The Rockers come into Saturday a lowly 1-5 on the year, coming off of a 48-28 loss to Black Hills, who the Grizzlies defeated on the road four weeks ago. For the Grizzlies, it has been a rough go the past two weeks, as they have dropped consecutive games for the first time this year. While the offense had been humming from weeks two through 4, the Grizzlies have had a hard time generating consistent offense as of late, and they look to get back on track this weekend.
 
Last week's game at Chadron State saw the Grizzlies get off to a 16-0 lead early in the first quarter, but then surrender 35 unanswered points in route to a 42-23 loss. Chadron was able to throw at will on the Grizzly defense, as they put up 538 yard of total offense last Saturday, 328 of which were through the air. This set up the rushing attack, as the Eagles also gashed the Grizzlies for 210 yard on the ground. It will be a battle in the trenches this weekend for the defense, as they hope to stall a South Dakota Mines offense that only averages 20 points a game on the year. Cornerback Ereon Nash was able to take matters into his own hands on one particular play, as he registered an interception that was returned 28 yards that gave the Grizzlies a big spark early in the game. They hope to completely cut off the South Dakota Mines passing threat while Alani Pututau and company go to work against a run happy Hardrockers offense.
 
While quarterback John Buksa did not register a turnover in last week's contest, he and his offense were stifled for the majority of the second half. Falling behind meant that the Grizzlies would attempt the long climb back through the passing game, and Tariq Bitson, Ziere Banner and Ian Fryday had themselves nice individual games catching the football despite the loss. Despite rushing for 171 yards on the ground last Saturday, the Adams State run game struggled to get a rhythm going. The two featured runners in the rotation against Chadron were starter Duson Sproles and his backfield mate Otumus Payemanu, each receiving 10 carries on the game. The third member of the backfield trifecta, Jamarucs Federick, had a tough day rushing for 13 yards on seven carries. Look for the back to rotate series' as per usual, and have a big day against the South Dakota Mines defense who gave up 195 yards on the ground last week, and has given up as many as 294 in a single game this season.
 
Join The Adams State Grizzlies family for the 2019 homecoming game this Saturday, October 19^th from Rex Stadium. Festivities will include the pregame tailgate sponsored by Valley Wide Health Systems, as well as many more taking place this weekend on the Adams State campus. Kickoff for the football game is set for 1 PM. Live stats and stream will be available through the athletics website at ASUGrizzlies.com.