Grizzlies fall short against New Mexico Highlands
By JJ Gerlach | jjgerlacj@alamosacitizen.com
ADAMS State let a golden opportunity slip away in a 23-21 loss to New Mexico Highlands Saturday night. The loss dropped Adams State to 1-2 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, while Highlands improved to 2-1.
Adams State is back in action Saturday against CSU-Pueblo. It’s Homecoming weekend, with a 1 p.m. kickoff. The hope was for Adams State to win at home against New Mexico Highlands and go into Homecoming Week with momentum to face longtime rival CSU-Pueblo.
“I was impressed with our guys’ effort, but we didn’t finish,” Adams State Head Coach Jarrell Harrison said of the loss.
Once again the Grizzlies started slow, falling behind 13-0 in the first quarter only to fight back to have a shot at the end.
A crucial sequence in the second half saw Adams State pull to within 16-14 on a 57-yard scoring strike to Elijah Harper, then stop Highlands in the next series on a crucial fourth down, but then throw an interception that led to a Highlands score which proved to be too much for a last try at a comeback.
Game Notes
NMHU quarterback Gage Guardiola completed nine of 13 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. Quavon Beckford was on the receiving end of the scoring toss. He finished with a team-high six catches for 88 yards.
Grizzlies’ quarterback Marckell Grayson was 15-for-34 for 214 yards and two touchdowns. One went to Elijah Harper, who finished with five catches and 88 yards. The other went to Kentrell Petite.
Halftime Festivities
Adams State inducted its 2022 Hall of Fame Class at the half, while the Monte Vista High School marching band put on a performance.
What’s Next
The Grizzlies will stay at home next week, as they take on Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference opponent CSU Pueblo at 1 p.m. Both teams are 1-2 in RMAC play. The Thunderwolves won last week against Fort Lewis.
