SPEARFISH, S.D. — Adams State football forced three turnovers and found the end zone late in the first half, but Black Hills State used defensive scores and a 402-yard offensive performance to defeat the Grizzlies, 44-8, Saturday afternoon at Lyle Hare Stadium.
The loss moved Adams State to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in RMAC play, while Black Hills State improved to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the conference. The Grizzlies finished with 205 yards of offense, rushing for 123 yards and passing for 82.
Black Hills State built an early advantage, scoring twice in the opening quarter to take a 14-0 lead. The Yellow Jackets added 10 points in the second quarter to extend the margin to 24-0.
Adams State responded before halftime with its lone scoring drive of the afternoon. The Grizzlies went 75 yards in six plays, with Khalil Abdul-Aziz connecting with Max Minor for a 17-yard touchdown with 1:53 remaining in the second quarter. Hayden Rodriguez then completed the two-point conversion pass to Kayden LaFramboise, cutting the Black Hills State advantage to 24-8 entering halftime.
The Adams State defense created opportunities throughout the afternoon. The Grizzlies intercepted Black Hills State twice, with Benjamin Rodriguez returning an interception 15 yards and Thomas Perea adding a 14-yard interception return. Rodriguez also recorded five tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss, while Perea finished with 10 tackles.
John Wright led the Grizzlies with 11 total tackles, including 10 assisted stops and a tackle for loss. Zachary Ray added eight tackles, while Blake George finished with six. Joshua Sparks recorded a sack and tackle for loss. Adams State finished with two sacks and seven tackles for loss as a team.
The Grizzlies also made an impact on special teams. Kayden LaFramboise blocked a Black Hills State kick in addition to catching the successful two-point conversion. Landon Bobo averaged 43.5 yards on two punts, including a 45-yard punt that landed inside the 20.
Offensively, Adams State used multiple quarterbacks. Abdul-Aziz completed 3 of 14 passes for 34 yards and the touchdown to Minor, while Jett Lewis went 4-for-8 for 48 yards. Minor finished with two receptions for 30 yards and the touchdown.
The Grizzlies found more production on the ground despite being held without a rushing touchdown. Ali Collier recorded 28 yards on three carries, Lewis added 20 yards on six attempts and Abdul-Aziz rushed for 21 yards. Shannon Henry II added 15 yards on his lone carry. Adams State totaled 123 rushing yards on 41 attempts.
Black Hills State added 20 unanswered points after halftime to pull away. The Yellow Jackets finished with 402 total yards, including 275 through the air and 127 on the ground. Adams State's defense continued to create opportunities, including an interception in the fourth quarter, but the Grizzlies could not turn the takeaway into points.
Adams State finished with 15 first downs and converted 3 of 13 third-down opportunities. The Grizzlies were also hurt by three turnovers — two lost fumbles and one interception — while committing eight penalties for 85 yards.
Up Next
Grizzlies return home to Rex Stadium in Alamosa, CO for Homecoming against South Dakota Mines on Saturday September 19 at 12 p.m
