GUNNISON, Colo.  This game has been circled on everyone's calendar since the start of the season, as Adams State will travel to Gunnison, Colo., on Saturday (Nov. 12) to take on Western Colorado at 1 p.m. in the 75th Colorado Classic.

75TH COLORADO CLASSIC

• The rivalry between Adams State and Western Colorado is the second longest continual rivalry in the state of Colorado – the longest continual rivalry in Colorado is between Western and Colorado School of Mines, dating back to 1925 - Adams and Western have been playing each other every year since 1950.
• The winner of the Colorado Classic earns the right to possess the Colorado Classic Trophy, which travels to the winning institution. The trophy currently resides at Western after the Mountaineers brought the trophy back home, by beating the Grizzlies 24-10 on the road.
• Saturday's game will be the 75th meeting between Western and Adams. The last time the Mountaineers hosted (2018) Adams State, the Grizzlies walked away with a thrilling 55-52 overtime victory. In the last five matchups, Adams State has won three out of the five.
• The last time the Mountaineers won at home against Adams State was in 2016, when they defeated the Grizzlies 56-25. In the series Western has the winning record of 41-32. 

MOUNTAINEERS HEADING INTO THE WEEKEND | SEASON STATS

• The Mountaineers will have an opportunity to send the seniors out on a great note on Saturday, as long as they're able to take down rival Adams State, who enters the game with a 2-8 overall record. Losing their last two games against South Dakota Mines and Black Hills State.
• Things have gone better for Western who is 6-4 overall and 6-2 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standings. Additionally, the Mountaineers are coming into the game with a one game winning streak after defeating Fort Lewis last weekend 55-14.
• Josh Cummings has had a solid season, resulting in him being second in the league for rushing yards, racking up 661 yards on 140 attempts (4.7 yards a carry). When it comes to finding the endzone through the air, Connor Desch has been fourth best in the RMAC throwing 19 touchdowns. Catching eight of those touchdown passes, Malik White's eight touchdowns is fifth-best in the RMAC.
• On defense, Carson Mandrell has been the Mountaineers best tackler, totaling 77 tackles which is second best in the RMAC. Sitting in fourth best in the RMAC in sacks, Anthony Johnston leads his team with six sacks. When Johnston can't get home and the quarterback gets the ball off, Darrious Gaines has been one of the best in the RMAC swatting away 11 passes this season, which is third best. Ethan Sanchez-Maxwell has also been impressive in the secondary, currently tied for second best in the RMAC with four interceptions.
• When it comes to punting, Cole Riters has averaged the second most yards per punt (42.10) in the RMAC. That mark is also 15th best in Division II. On the kicking end, Alec Fonseca has the second best field goal percentage (.700) in the RMAC, making 14 out of 20 field goals.

ONE LAST TIME

• 21 seniors will also be stepping onto the field for the final time this weekend and there is no doubt that the Western football program and fan base will miss this class. While the Mountaineers will not be able to win a RMAC title with a win on Saturday, this class did play a big part in bringing an RMAC championship back to Western.
• They will also be remembered as the class that had back to back winning seasons, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since the 2000-2002 seasons, where they had three consecutive 6-5 seasons.

GRIZZLIES TOP PERFORMERS | SEASON STATS

• On offense, Daylen Boddie has been consistently finding the endzone this season recording eight rushing touchdowns, which is fourth best in the RMAC. Getting it done through the air, Marckell Grayson has thrown for 1,954 yards (fourth best) and only 13 touchdowns. The leading receiver for the Grizzlies is Elijah Harper who has 747-yards, sixth best in the RMAC and six touchdowns. 
• Daniel Mendoza has been Adams State and the RMACs best tackler, recording 88 tackles. Ahmed Bernard has done a great job defending in the pass game, leading to him having 10 pass breakups. Bernard, Traivian Denesto and Mendoza have also stood out when it comes to defending the pass, each having two interceptions apiece.