The Mustangs hung with Western State College through the first half on Saturday, but a second half Mountaineer offense put on the pressure and outscored WNMU 28-0. The final score read 53-24. WNMU is still searching for their first win this season after the loss today. Western State improves to 2-2 overall and 2-1 in RMAC play.
The Mustangs started off strong, scoring on their first drive of the game. Sophomore quarterback Chris Voller (Albuquerque, NM/Valley High School) (Albuquerque, NM) found senior Sean Tuiofu (Ramona, CA/Ramona High School) (Ramona, CA) in the endzone after marching down the field from the Western State 34.
It wasn't long before the Mountaineers got on the board themselves though. With good field position, Western State's Cameron Merrill launched a 37-yard pass to Shaun Suttorp for a touchdown, but WNMU kept the lead as Western State's extra point was no good.
With the clock running down in the first quarter (00:39), Western State tacked on seven more points, but WNMU needed only :22 and one play to take the lead once more. John Means (Glendale, AZ/St. Mary's High School) (Glendale, AZ) ran nearly the length of the field on a caught pass by Milt Cherry (Aurora, CO/Eagle Crest High School) (Aurora, CO). The Mustangs led by one after the first 15 minutes.
The Mustangs quickly got the ball back at the top of the second quarter with a Clayton Dowd (Scottsdale, AZ/North High School) (Scottsdale, AZ) interception at the 50-yard line. Tuiofu then got his second touchdown of the day, but this time it was from Cody House (Tucson, AZ/Cholla HS) (Tucson, AZ) to take the 21-13 lead.
Two quick scores in the endzone by Western State in the final three minutes of the half gave the Mountaineers the lead. This time for good despite a field goal by Steve Flores (Peoria, AZ/Peoria High School) (Peoria, AZ) with :06 remaining in the half.
Western State posted 21 points in the third and seven more in the fourth to finish the game.
WNMU recorded 370 total offensive yards, but it didn't compare to Western State's 657 yards. Means combined for 114 yards on five receptions.
Freshman Salvador Garcia (Anthony, TX/Anthony HS) (Anthony, TX) gave the Mustangs a spark on special teams, running back five kickoffs for 123 yards.
On defense, Buster Thede (Arvada, CO/Pomona High School) (Arvada, CO) led all players with 12 tackles. Freshman Eddie Noriega (El Paso, TX/Eastwood High School) (El Paso, TX) was next in line with eight tackles.
Click here for complete statistics.
