CHADRON, Neb. — Adams State created opportunities with a special teams takeaway and a sustained drive to open the second half, but the Grizzlies could not turn those chances into points Saturday at Elliott Field. Chadron State used a 35-point second quarter to pull away for a 69–0 victory.
Andre Branch led Adams State's rushing attack with 70 yards on 17 carries, including a 31-yard run that helped move the Grizzlies into scoring position after halftime. Kayden LaFramboise caught seven passes for 41 yards.
Blake George supplied five tackles, two forced fumbles and a sack. Max Minor also forced a fumble on punt coverage, and Paxton Yeates recovered it to give Adams State another possession in the second quarter.
Chadron State took the lead on the opening kickoff when Chase Nelson returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. The Grizzlies' defense answered on the Eagles' first offensive possession, forcing a three-and-out from the Chadron State 10-yard line.
Adams State began its next drive at midfield and advanced to the Eagles' 38 before turning the ball over on downs. Chadron State then drove into scoring position, but George helped prevent a touchdown. With the Eagles facing first-and-goal at the 1, he sacked Aidan Thompson and forced a fumble that Chadron State recovered at the 15. The Eagles settled for a field goal and led 10–0 after the first quarter.
The game shifted in the second quarter as Chadron State scored five touchdowns. Adams State found an opening when Minor forced a fumble during a punt return and Yeates recovered at the Grizzlies' 26. The offense moved into Eagles territory, but the drive ended on downs at the Chadron State 31.
The Eagles extended their lead before halftime, including a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown in the final minute, to take a 45–0 advantage into the break.
Adams State opened the third quarter with its longest drive of the afternoon. Branch broke free for 31 yards to the Chadron State 30, helping the Grizzlies march 68 yards over 10 plays. The possession consumed 5:34, but a fumble at the Eagles' 7 ended the scoring threat.
Chadron State added three touchdowns in the third quarter, capitalizing on two fumble recoveries and an interception.
The Grizzlies made another push on their final possession. Jett Lewis connected with Ke'Ondrae Fleeks for 39 yards to the Chadron State 21. Adams State reached the 17 before the Eagles blocked a 31-yard field goal attempt with 13 seconds remaining.
James Coby added 38 rushing yards on 11 carries. Adams State finished with 241 yards of offense, including 131 on the ground, and held the ball for 34:20.
George, Roscoe Taylor, Zachary Ray and Tyler Griffin shared the team lead with five tackles apiece. Jacob McGarvey averaged 42 yards on five punts, with a long of 47.
Adams State moved to 0–7 overall and 0–5 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.
Up Next
Adams State will host Colorado Mesa for its Hall of Fame Game on Saturday, Oct. 24, at noon MT at Rex Stadium.
