Silver City, N.M. — The Western New Mexico Football team is just a couple of days away to opening their 2016 season. Last season the Mustangs finished with a 4-7 record (3-6 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) and placed seventh in the RMAC standings.
This Saturday the Mustangs will be opening up on the road as they travel to California to take on Division I opponent University of San Diego. The last time these two teams met was last season and San Diego came away with the win, 45-21.
“They are a disciplined team and tough; disciplined in execution” said Coach Clark. “Athletically we matched up well to them. It is going to come down to who is more disciplined in terms of execution.”
Alfonso Wilson, who had two solo tackles and one sack against San Diego last year said, “We need to try and stop the run and make them pass the ball so we can get the ball.”
In the 2015 season, WNMU football had a few of great statistics that stood out. In RMAC, they finished third in third down conversions (40.7) and in defensive touchdown (2) and second in first downs (265), passing offense per game (354.4), and passing yards per completion (13.72).
“We are trying to get better at everything we do” said Head Coach Adam Clark. “We need to get more consistent, be better in execution with proper technique and thought process on the field.”
WNMU is returning a few starters that will make a huge impact as the season progresses. On the offensive side, senior wide receiver Xavier Ayers is expected to have a standout season after coming off a hot 2015 season. Last season he racked up 1,356 yards receiving, 91 catches, and five touchdowns. He led the RMAC in receiving yards, third in receiving yards per game (99), and fifth in receptions per game (8.3).
Defensively, look out for senior Alfonso Wilson who also had a breakout season in 2015. The defensive back had a superb season leading his team with 58 tackles and 13 tackles for loss. He also came away with three interceptions and was second on the team with three sacks.
“This year I’m hungrier” said Wilson, when being asked how to live up to as great a season as last year. “I put in a lot more work, and do the best I can.”
Other impact players include offensive linemen Zach Andrews and Kyle Ensign, linebacker Dominic Barry, wide receiver Even Beebe, fullback Gordy Longville, and defensive lineman Connor Mowat.
WNMU football will be looking to start the season off strong with a win this Saturday, September 3rd as they match up against the Toreros at 7 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
