Kearney, NE -- Western New Mexico finished its first season in the RMAC with a 5-5 season record (3-5, RMAC) as the University of Nebraska-Kearney defeated the Mustangs 20-13 Saturday in Kearney. UNK finished 2006 with a 6-4 record.

In cool and windy conditions, UNK got a couple of breaks key breaks that helped them with the victory. The first came with the Lopers ahead 13-10 midway through the third quarter.

Western quarterback Rod Windsor (Bessemer, AL/Jess Lanier High School), who had had 254 yards of total offense, rushed for an apparent first down on 3rd and three from the Mustang 36-yard line. However, Loper Safety Jake Mandelko knocked the ball loose just as Windsor got to the 39-yard line and the battle for the ball began.

Windsor came out with it but the officials ruled UNK had possession first.

Four plays later on 4th and two, UNK quarterback Kevin Arbuckle hooked up with junior Cory Sleeth for a 30 yard gain. Junior Ryan Gilbert (Moreno Valley, Calif.) scored on the next play, only the Lopers' fifth rushing touchdown of the season.

Western responded by moving the ball right down the field, eventually having 1st and goal from the UNK 1-yard line. Runs of 21 and 30 yards by Windsor highlighted the drive.

After UNK stopped Windsor on 1st and goal, the Lopers got another break when it was ruled Windor's knee was down before he crossed the goal line on 2nd down. Windsor fumbled on the next play, resulting in a five yard loss, and the Mustangs had to settle for a field goal.

In the fourth quarter, Western had three chance to tie the game but the Loper defense forced a fumble and had two fourth down stops to secure the win.

Western's last chance came with under a minute to go and facing a 4th and seven from the Loper 36-yard line. A pass completion of four yards was stopped short.

Western finished with 275 yards of offense, compared to 182 for UNK. The elusive Windsor carried the ball 26 times for 142 yards and one score. In the air, he was 12 of 24 for 112 yards