Ugliness at Rex Field: Grizzlies fall to Orediggers, 84-10
By JJ Gerlach | jjgerlach@alamosacitizen.com
ADAMS State had another tough game Saturday as they lost 84-10 to Colorado School of Mines to open Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.
For Mines it was the first win of the season, while Adams State dropped to 0-3.
“Coaches have to be better, players have to be better, everybody has to be better,” said Grizzlies Head Coach Jarrell Harrison following the game. “We need to play like we love football.”
Those are tough statements coming from the second-year head coach, but after a game like this, everything needs to be questioned. The Grizzlies opened with the same spirit and intensity they displayed the week before against West Texas A&M and found itself in the game in the first half.
But key injuries, missed scoring opportunities, and a persistent and consistent Mines team eventually wore down Adams State and took a 42-10 halftime lead. Adams State sophomore defensive back Tommy Lujan and senior quarterback Mark Salazar left the game with injuries in the first half and didn’t return.
In the second half, Colorado School of Mines scored 42 unanswered points.
“Mark (Salazar) came out of the game in the second quarter and we didn’t respond at all,” said Harrison.
Backup quarterback Marckell Grayson was unable to get anything done for the Grizzlies in his relief appearance. Orediggers senior running back Michael Zeman had a strong game against Adams, rushing for 147 yards to go with three touchdowns.
Third down was once again a problem for the Grizzlies as they finished the game 5-for-17. Special teams became a problem as well. In the second half the Grizzlies had a blocked punt that was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown and on the very next drive; a high snap nearly allowed a second block.
The Grizzlies will look to regroup next Saturday, as they take on Fort Lewis in Durango. How Adams State responds to the drubbing from Colorado Mines will be a tell-tale sign for how the remainder of its season goes for the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies defeated Fort Lewis last year for its only win of the season. The Skyhawks are also coming off a loss this week, falling 27-to-3 against New Mexico Highlands. The game will be at 1 p.m. and can be viewed on the RMAC network.
