Pueblo, Colo. – Adams State football fell on the road Saturday afternoon, dropping a 55-7 decision to CSU Pueblo at the ThunderBowl.
The ThunderWolves (4-1 overall, 3-0 RMAC) struck quickly and often, putting up 17 points in the first quarter and adding 28 more in the second to build a 45-0 advantage at halftime. Despite the deficit, the Grizzlies (0-4 overall, 0-2 RMAC) continued to battle in the second half and were rewarded with a strong third-quarter drive that ended in the end zone. Quarterback Gavin Herberg connected with running back Jaysn Wade for an 8-yard touchdown strike, capping a 75-yard drive.
Adams State finished with 224 yards of total offense, including 144 through the air. Wide receiver Geovonni Ribalta paced the receiving corps with three catches for 68 yards, including a 54-yard reception that set up the Grizzlies' touchdown. Devin Dawkins also hauled in three catches for 24 yards, while Blaine Peebles added one reception for 30 yards.
Defensively, linebacker Liam Finney paced the Grizzlies with seven tackles, including a tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Anthony Henry and Mafileo Tupou each added six stops, while defensive back Ren Meafua recorded an interception in the second half to halt a CSU Pueblo drive. The defense also forced a pair of turnovers in the contest, including a fumble recovery from Emil Ventura.
Special teams provided a bright spot as senior punter Braden Biller averaged 47.2 yards per punt, booming a season-long 65-yarder in the first half.
The Grizzlies will look to regroup next weekend when they return to Rex Stadium to host Chadron State for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 12 p.m.
