The Red Storm offense could never really get going against the Grizzlies of Adams State on Saturday.
Possession was the name of the game at Hansen Stadium for the season opener. The Grizzlies dominated the possession of the game, holding the ball for over 39 minutes, in comparison to the Red Storm’s 20 minutes.
Dixie’s offense struggled both through the air and on the ground. They gained only nine yards rushing, and 102 yards through the air. Their 111 yards of total offense were over-shadowed by Adams State’s 402 yards of total offense.
Despite being outplayed on the offensive side of the ball, the Red Storm were very much in this game the entire way. Dixie State’s kick returner, Cache Morgan, got the crowd electrified early on when he returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, to give Dixie State a 7-3 lead. After the kickoff return, the offense fell flat, scoring only one other touchdown in the game.
Dixie State went into the fourth quarter trailing 17-7, and after scoring their second touchdown, were within three points. But turnovers hurt the Red Storm, throwing three interceptions and fumbling the ball once.
The Grizzlies were able to come away with 23 first downs compared to only eight for Dixie State. The Red Storm were a dismal one-of-nine on third down conversions.
Dixie’s starting quarterback Cody Stevenson was 9-of-17 through the air, throwing for one touchdown, and two interceptions.
The Red Storm will have to rebound, and keep their heads up for next week’s home game against Colorado Mesa University.