GUNNISON, Colo.  Western Colorado ended the season on a strong note on Saturday (Nov. 12) destroying the Adams State Grizzlies 52-10 as the Mountaineers won the 75th Colorado Classic and retained the trophy.
 
JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Western Colorado def. Adams State 52-10.
Records: Western Colorado 7-4 (7-2 RMAC), Fort Lewis 2-9 (2-7 RMAC)
Location: Katy O Rady Field, Gunnison, Colo.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Mountaineers got on the board early, after forcing the Grizzlies to punt on their first drive, putting together a seven-play drive that ended in a 34-yard touchdown pass from Connor Desch to Daniel Parsek. Adams State had an answer to Western's touchdown – starting the drive on their 41-yard line -scoring on their very next drive on a three-yard rushing touchdown, resulting in the game being tied 7-7.
• As the first quarter ended, Desch threw for 54-yards while Josh Cummings accounted for 25-yards rushing leading to Western being on the Grizzlies three-yard line to start the second quarter. Unfortunately, the Mountaineers were unable to capitalize on that field positing resulting in kicker Alec Fonseca coming onto the field an making a 20-yard field goal to give Western a 10-7 lead. Once again, Adams State responded on their next drive with a 43-yard field goal that sailed through the uprights.
• With 2:37 left before halftime, Desch threw his second touchdown pass of the game, this time to Deyvon Butler who caught a swing pass, then made multiple Grizzlies defenders miss on his way to a 36-yard touchdown.  
• Coming out of halftime, Josh Cummings wore down Adams State defense on their first drive of the half, rushing for 54-yards – finishing off the drive with a two-yard touchdown.
• It was all about the Mountaineers from there as the Grizzlies never found the endzone again and Western's offense could not be stopped.
• Up 24-10, Desch connected with Andrew Montez on a 35-yard pass which put the ball on Adams State nine-yard line. On the very next play, Butler scored his second touchdown of the game, this time on the ground rushing for a nine-yard touchdown.
• At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Cy Shope smacked the Grizzlies quarterback on a pass, which caused a fumble that was recovered by Ian Helwick at Western's 41-yard line. That turnover was capitalized on during Western's next drive, thanks to Butler who recorded another touchdown on a trick play, throwing a 31 touchdown pass to Montez.
• The Mountaineers weren't done scoring just yet. After Carson Mandrell forced and recovered a fumble on Western's seven-yard line, the offense put together a three-play drive that was capped off with a Desch 75-yard touchdown pass to Cole Riters.
• The final touchdown of the came with 5:02 left in the fourth quarter. Luke Nethercot threw an 11-yard pass to Victory David – which then resulted in the Grizzlies losing composure and getting an Unsportsmanlike Conduct putting the ball on Adams State 15-yard line.
• Two-plays later Nethercot connected with Kyle Gaster for an 11-yard touchdown – putting the final score at 52-10 in favor of Western.

FIELD NOTES

• Desch finished the game with 341-yards passing (22-of-29) and three touchdowns. On the ground, Cummings had 124-yards rushing and one touchdown. Butler had 99 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns. Receiving wise, Riters was the leading receiver with 90-yards, while Montez was right behind him with 80-yards. Both receivers each had a touchdown in the game.
• On defense, Mandrell had 13 tackles, one tackle for loss and a forced/ fumble recovery. Ricky Freymond also recorded a sack during the game.