The Colorado Classic trophy will remain in Gunnison

Western Colorado University football ended its season on a strong note on Nov. 12, beating the Adams State Grizzlies 52-10, and retaining the 75th Colorado Classic trophy. 

The Mountaineers got on the board early on Saturday. After forcing the Grizzlies to punt on their first drive, Western put together a seven-play drive that ended in a 34-yard touchdown pass from Connor Desch to Daniel Parsek. 

Adams State answered quickly. Starting the drive on the 41-yard line, the Grizzlies marched down the field and finished it off with a 3-yard rushing touchdown — tying the game 7-7.

Toward the end of the first quarter, Desch threw for 54 yards, while Josh Cummings put Western on the Grizzlies’ 3-yard line at the beginning of the second. The Mountaineers were unable to capitalize on that field position, but kicker Alec Fonseca came onto the field and successfully made a 20-yard field goal to give Western a 10-7 lead. 

Once again, Adams State responded. On the Grizzlies’ next drive, the team threw up three more points with a 43-yard field goal that sailed through the uprights — bringing the score back to a tie. 

With 2:37 left before halftime, Desch threw his second touchdown pass of the game, this time to Deyvon Butler. He dodged several Grizzlie defensive players on his way to a 36-yard touchdown.  

Coming out of halftime, Cummings wore down Adams State’s defense on the Mountaineers’ first drive of the half, rushing for 54 yards which culminated in a rushing touchdown. From there, it was all about the Mountaineers. The Grizzlies never found the endzone again.

Up 24-10, Desch connected with Andrew Montez on a 35-yard pass, which put the ball on Adams State 9-yard line. On the next play, Butler scored his second touchdown, rushing for a 9-yard touchdown.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Cy Shope smacked the Grizzlies quarterback on a pass, causing a fumble that was recovered by Ian Helwick at Western's 41-yard line. Western capitalized on the turnover. Butler recorded another touchdown on a trick play, throwing a 31-yard touchdown pass to Montez. 

The Mountaineers weren't done scoring just yet, though. Carson Mandrell forced and recovered a fumble on Western's 7-yard line. That set up Western’s offense to put together a three-play drive that was capped off with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Desch to Cole Riters.

The game signaled the end of Western’s football season, with the team just missing the opportunity to compete in the playoffs. The Mountaineers finished second in the Rocky Mountain Athletic League, with a 7-2 record. The team’s overall season record was at 7-4.