ALAMOSA, Colo. – The red hot Adams State Grizzlies Football team looks to extend their winning streak in another storied rivalry game this weekend, this time facing off against the Fort Lewis Skyhawks in the annual "Musket Game". The 3-1 Grizzlies have reeled off three in a row after dropping their opener to Colorado School of Mines, and both their offensive and defensive units have continued to look solid and have improved week to week.
 
Last week, coming off of a victory against New Mexico Highlands, the Grizzlies were put to the test against their long-time rivals Western State and were up to the challenge, winning in the final minute on a Tariq Bitson touchdown reception, 38-31. This past week, Bitson was voted RMAC Offensive Player of the Week for his 12 reception, 257 yard and 4 touchdown effort last Saturday. He has proved to be uncoverable to this point in the season, catching at least one touchdown in each of the four games he has played in this year. Expect another big day from him Saturday in Durango, as he has been the Grizzlies standout offensive playmaker on the year.
 
The defense got their fix last week, particularly in the first half, as they dominated the Western offense. One man in particular, Alani Pututau put on a pass rushing showcase Saturday, registering 5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss that might have had Mountaineer quarterbacks and running backs seeing him in their sleep. He and the defense are prepared to square off against a Fort Lewis squad who was held to just seven points in a loss against Black Hills last week. Look for them to continue to bring the heat and force turnovers.
 
Adams State has held the musket in Alamosa the past two years, with their last loss coming in 2016 in a 21-16 contest in Durango. They hope to make it three straight when the final buzzer sounds Saturday afternoon. Fort Lewis is 2-2, but offense for them has been hard to come by thus far, as they have been held to 14 points or less in three of their four games to start the season. With a win, Adams State would move to 4-1 in a highly contested Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, where no victory, especially in a rivalry game, is taken for granted.
 
Kickoff for the annual Musket Game between Adams State and Fort Lewis is set for noon Saturday afternoon. Broadcast and live stats will be available through the opponent's website at goskyhawks.com.