Rapid City, S.D. – In their final game of the 2025 season, the Adams State Grizzlies opened with one of their strongest starts of the year before ultimately falling 45-21 to South Dakota Mines on Saturday afternoon at O'Harra Stadium.
Adams State (0-11, 0-9 RMAC) controlled the opening quarter, striking first with a 13-play, 74-yard drive capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gavin Herberg to Blaine Peebles. After the defense forced a turnover off an interception by Mafileo Tupou, Herberg powered in a 4-yard rushing touchdown to give the Grizzlies a 14-0 lead late in the first.
The Hardrockers responded in the second quarter, but Adams State answered right back with a 47-yard touchdown run from Herberg that pushed the lead to 21-7 with 2:39 left in the half. South Dakota Mines scored twice in the final 90 seconds before halftime, trimming the Grizzlies' advantage to 21-17 at the break.
The second half proved decisive. While Adams State continued to battle defensively, highlighted by Tupou's two interceptions, the Grizzlies were unable to regain their early offensive rhythm.
Adams State finished the day with 271 yards of total offense and a perfect 2-for-2 mark in the red zone.
The Grizzlies now look to build momentum heading into the offseason, where a young core and returning contributors will aim to turn this year into a strong foundation for the program's next steps.
