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Solomon Latimer vs. #16/14 CSU Pueblo
Kaitlyn Silva
Solomon Latimer (81) makes a career-long 50-yard reception against the top-ranked ThunderWolves on Ray Dennison Memorial Field (Oct. 12, 2024)

Skyhawks, Grizzlies revitalize rivalry with Clash for the Pass

11/1/2024 10:00:00 AM

By: Hayden Mangan, Assistant AD-Communications & Fan Engagement
Fort Lewis at Adams State
Saturday, Nov. 2, 6 p.m. | Rex Field | Alamosa, Colo.
Watch | Live Stats | Tickets | FLC Game Notes | ASU Game Notes
 
DURANGO, Colo. – Following the end of the Musket Series in 2020 after the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Fort Lewis (1-7, 0-6 RMAC) and Adams State (0-8, 0-6 RMAC) football teams will once again compete in a rivalry matchup for the Clash of the Pass traveling trophy this Saturday night in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference contest under the lights of Rex Field at 6 p.m.
 
Clash for the Pass
The Skyhawks and Grizzlies have been rivals across Route 160 and Wolf Creek Pass since the two foes first met in 1966. Originally, the traveling trophy was a Springfield .45-70 military-issue rifle that was donated by Mahlon "Butch" White to the two programs after his involvement with First National Banks in both Alamosa and Durango. The series was put on hold during the pandemic, but will return on Saturday night under the new title, "Clash for the Pass." Adams State leads the all-time series 42-18-1 and has won the last three contests.
 
Dual-Threat
Redshirt freshman Stone Walker will be pivotal in Saturday night's game as the dual-threat quarterback elevates the Skyhawks offense like no other. While Walker will look to bounce back through the air, where he's completed 95 passes in 195 attempts (48.72 percent) for 924 yards, six interceptions, and five touchdowns, his ground efficiency can play a major role as he's rushed for 408 yards and five touchdowns, not including a combined 31 sacks for a loss of 168 yards by FLC opponents. Outside of sacks, Walker is supplying 190 yards per game on 132 yards passing and 58 yards rushing.
 
Penney for your Troubles
Sparks, Nevada, native and graduate of Spanish Springs High School Jacob Penney, continued to impress through week eight. The six-foot, two-hundred-pound linebacker has dominated the RMAC with 87 total tackles, 17 more than the next closest player. In addition to ranking sixth in tackles per game (10.9) and seventh in total tackles among NCAA Division II players, Penney also stands tied for the 14th-most total tackles and 17th-most tackles per game across all of NCAA football (DIII, DII, FCS, FBS).
 
Caged Grizzlies
Adams State has struggled this season with a 0-8 overall record, including a 0-6 mark in conference play. The Grizzlies closest game of the season was a 46-36 defeat at the hands of Western New Mexico (2-7, 0-7 LSC), but have since given up an average of 52.6 points per game on 536.6 yards of offense from its competition.
 
ASU has found the most success through the air with 161. 5 passing yards per game over 71.5 rushing yards for a combined 233.0 yards of offense. The Grizzlies have played three quarterbacks with at least four games each including Chase Nelson, Alexander Grado, and Montana Neustadter. Nelson leads the trio with seven games played and a 109.49 efficiency rating after throwing for 943 yards, six interceptions, and five touchdowns on 86 completions in 155 attempts (55.48 percent). In addition, Nelson has added 111 net yards on the ground as the second-leading rusher behind Ahmare Merrida who owns 324 net yards on 87 carries. The duo, alongside Daylen Boddie, have each rushed for two scores.
 
Home Finale
Fort Lewis will play its final game at home of the 2024 campaign next Saturday as the Skyhawks play host to the invading Cowboys from New Mexico Highlands (2-6, 2-4 RMAC). Kick-off is scheduled for noon on Ray Dennison Memorial Field as FLC celebrates Senior Day, Nike N7, and Veterans, First Responders, and Service Personnel Week.
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