Silver City, N.M. – An overtime dramatic finish was in store last Saturday as the Western New Mexico University football team came up short against West Texas A&M, 37-30, for the final game of the season.
Jumping ahead to the fourth quarter with 2:04 remaining, the Mustangs topped off a 19 play, 71-yard drive with a 27-yard field goal from kicker Tyler Vargas, pushing their lead 30-16.
The game then looked to be over but the Buffs would not fade away. They quickly took the ball downfield in 9 plays that would eventually end in a 2-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit 30-23 with 42 seconds left on the clock.
In desperate need of an onside kick, West Texas got what they asked for and recovered the ball on their own 46 yard line. Two plays later, Buffs quarterback Ethan Brinkley hauled the ball downfield to an open receiver for a 41-yard touchdown pass, knotting the game up at 30.
Heading into overtime, West Texas elected to have the ball first and chose correctly as they scored on the second play of the drive with a 25-yard touchdown pass, putting themselves ahead 37-30.
With the Mustangs in need of a touchdown, the drive did not start off well as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was given, moving the ball back to their own 40 yard line. Quarterback Javia Hall got momentum rolling as he ran the ball eight yards, but the play would be called back because of a block in the back penalty. The drive went downhill from there, as WNMU faced a 4th and 23. Hall looked around for an open receiver but the defensive pressure forced him to throw the ball downfield that landed into the hands of a West Texas defender, giving the Buffs the victory, 37-30.
As a team, the Mustangs dominated in a few categories. They held the advantage in first downs 26-16, total offensive yards 443 to 348 and rushing yards 251 to 37. The Buffs led in passing yards 310 to 192.
Hall completed 20 of 40 passes, throwing for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Running back DeAndre Williams had a breakout game with 127 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while Henry Norman led the team with two receiving touchdown. Defensively, Alfonso Wilson and Ian Davis brought in six tackles each.
With the season over, a couple of senior Mustangs had a few words to say after the game.
“I enjoyed every moment. We had our ups and downs this season. It was a beautiful year regardless of how it ended because we are one unit,” said Curtis Palacio.
“It was a great experience for me, being able to bond with everyone. I am going to miss it,” said Larry McKenzie.
“…I created a brotherhood with all these guys. Every time we stepped on here we left it out on the field. The football game didn’t go our way but this is a family that I will never lose,” said German Romero-Rosales.
The Mustangs finished the season with an overall record of 3-8 and conference record of 3-6.
