LAS VEGAS, N.M.— After a very competitive first half that saw the Adams State University Grizzly football team amass more offensive yardage than the New Mexico Highlands Cowboys, the Cowboys finished the game with 24 unanswered points for a 58-28 win on Saturday here at Sanchez Family Stadium.

Turnovers haunted Adams State throughout the game as they threw six interceptions and lost one fumble. The offensive side was stellar for Adams State as they posted 462 yards on offense.

The opening kickoff was not what the Grizzlies ordered as the Cowboys returned the ball down the middle for a 96-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead just ten seconds in.

Adams State quickly retaliated as Bryce Hampton was on the receiving end of a 57-yard catch and ran to the endzone to tie the game at seven.

After both teams failed to score on their next possessions, NMHU ran nine plays and scored on a slant route to the endzone to score a touchdown and a 14-7 lead. The Grizzlies tied the game at 14 as Shammah Luani capped off a 12-play drive with an eight-yard run.

With the score knotted up at 14 to start the second quarter, Hampton earned his seventh interception of the year, but the offensive could not score. Despite a 69-yard punt by John Bowers, the Cowboys went on a 13-play, 75-yard drive before a 12-yard rushing touchdown down the middle made the score 21-14 with 8:28 left in the second.

Adams State then scored on their long drive as Kentrell Petite was on the receiving end of a 16-yard fade route to the end zone to tie the game with 1:14.

Then things got questionable for the Grizzlies. After the Cowboys were forced into a third and 36 and on a quarterback sack, Trevion Gray was called for targeting after he overpersuaded and came back for the tackle. The penalty gave NMHU a new set of downs, and they capitalized as they finished the half with a 47-yard touchdown pass to take a 28-21 lead at the break. However, after a halftime review, it was deemed the hit was not targeting, and Gray was allowed to return to the game.

The third quarter saw defense and special teams help the Cowboys jump out to a 34-21 lead. They got an interception and a fumble recovery. The Grizzlies, however, held the Cowboys to field goal attempts as they stopped the Grizzlies on two first and goal showings.

Adams State then cashed in on a Tyriek Campbell rush up the middle for a touchdown.

The Cowboys then scored 24 unanswered points to take a 58-28 lead.

Hampton led the way with 131 all-purpose yards, 39 rushing and 92 receiving while intercepting a pass on defense. Braeden Meyer had ten total tackles, including one for a loss.

The Grizzlies will return home next weekend when they host Fort Lewis in the annual Musket Game. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. inside Rex Stadium.