Alamosa, CO- The Western New Mexico University football team earned their first win away this season after defeating Adams State University 36-20.
Not only had the Mustangs out-gained the Grizzlies (3-6, RMAC 3-4) in total offense 485 to 393, but they also took away three interception; one for a touchdown return by Alfonso Wilson.
The game started off with a good drive by ASU taking it to the WNMU’s 33, but it was cut short after an incomplete pass thrown by Johnny Feauto. Grizzlies attempted a 50-yard field goal, but missed wide right. A few completed passes by Mustangs Mitch Glassman took them to ASU’s 14, then a touchdown run by Marques Rodgers would give Western the first lead of the game 7-0. The Grizzlies tacked on a 24-yard field that would be the last score of the first quarter making the score 7-3.
The teams switched possessions starting the second quarter, but ASU’s offense kicked into gear driving for 69-yards and finally scoring their first touchdown of the game thanks to a Feauto 10-yard touchdown pass to Phil Romero. Mustangs did not go away easily as they put together a 60-yard drive, to tie up the game 10-10 after a 32-yard field goal by Josh McIntire. With only 1:14 left in the half, Glassman caught fire by throwing a few passes that took the offense to ASU’s 8 yard line. However, Mustangs could not convert on 4th and goal after an incomplete pass which would end the quarter making the score 10-10.
WNMU came out strong in the third quarter by taking the first possession 75-yards and scoring on Gordy Longville 1-yard run making their lead 17-10. Both teams kept things interesting by both scoring on a few field goals, but Western still held their lead 23-13. Grizzlies would gain some momentum in the final minutes of the third quarter, by driving 75-yards and scoring on a Feauto 20-yard touchdown pass that would end the quarter 23-20.
Western started off the fourth quarter right, with the help of a few Glassman passes and Rodger runs, by driving 75-yards and scoring on a Glassman 7-yard run taking their lead to 30-20. WNMU’s defense took control of the quarter by intercepting the Grizzlies on the first play of the next drive thanks Xavier Goodloe. Two more interception by the Mustangs, one by James Nelson and the other by Wilson, sealed the game for Western making the final score 36-20.
WNMU controlled the game in time of possession 31:50 to 28:10 and in first downs 7 of 13 to 3 of 13.
Individually for the Mustangs, Glassman threw for a total of 329 yards passing and completing 22 of 38. Rodgers ran for 144 yards total, carrying the ball 29 times and scoring twice. Xavier Ayers and Rodger lead the team in receiving for a total of 212 yards. Defensively, Dominic Berry led the team with 8 total tackles.
For the Grizzlies, Feauto threw for a total of 274 yards passing and completing 22 of 37, while Addie Brown led in rushing with 71 yards rushing and 71 yards receiving.
Western New Mexico University (3-6, 2-5) will face Chadron State College this Saturday at home, with the game starting at 12 p.m.
